A MUCH-LOVED village pub near Salisbury is celebrating a double honour after being recognised as one of the very best in the region.

The Fox & Goose in Coombe Bissett has been named Rural Pub of the Year by members of the Salisbury & South Wilts branch of CAMRA.

Landlord Keith Smith was also awarded the prestigious Derek Blackshaw Trophy – making history as the first to receive it twice.

The award, presented by branch chairman Andrew Hesketh, highlights not only the pub’s quality but its importance to the local community.

Andrew said: “The Fox & Goose is not only a friendly local community pub, but it also services a lot of passing custom along the nearby A354.

Andrew, chairman of the Salisbury & South Wilts branch of CAMRA, and Fox & Goose landlord Keith Smith with the pub’s trophies

“It has two large bars and indoor dining areas as well as spacious gardens and an outside covered area in which to eat.

“The real ales are kept well, the food is excellent and the pub has become a key part of village life.”

For Keith, the recognition carries personal meaning.

He said: “We are very proud to win this award and would like to thank all the CAMRA members who voted for us.

“We knew Derek, who used to come here as a customer, so it is very good to win the award named after him for the second time. It means that we can keep his name on the mantlepiece.”

The Derek Blackshaw Trophy was created in memory of the former CAMRA branch chairman, who died from leukaemia in 2022.

The late Derek Blackshaw, after whom the trophy for the winning rural pub is named.

A passionate advocate for rural pubs, Derek spent decades championing their survival.

Andrew added: “It commemorates a great man and branch chairman. He felt passionately about the survival of rural pubs, many of which he saw disappear in this area over the past 40 years.

“The trophy, which is presented to the Rural Pub of the Year annually alongside the traditional winner’s certificate, perpetuates the memory of a thoroughly decent man.”

Having first won the trophy in 2023, the Fox & Goose’s latest success cements its reputation as a cornerstone of village life – and a shining example of the enduring appeal of the traditional rural pub.