A Nantwich pub is in the running for a major award as it celebrates another entry in the Campaign for Real Ale Good Beer Guide.
The Black Lion, on Welsh Row, is a finalist in the ‘Ambassador of the Year’ category of this year’s South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards taking place at Crewe Hall on November 14.
The category recognises businesses and organisations that fly the flag for excellence and enhance South Cheshire’s reputation through leadership, innovation and community engagement.
The Black Lion is the only pub in South Cheshire to make it through to the finals and comes hot on the heels of national recognition for its beers.
It hopes to follow in the footsteps of Nantwich Museum which won the category last year.
The pub, the oldest in Nantwich, has featured 17 times in the CAMRA guide to the country’s finest pubs.
The 2026 edition, hot off the press this week, hails its fine British ales, cellar keeping and characterful surroundings including low beams, wattle and daub and open fire.
Landlord Darren Snell said: “We ring the changes and put new beers on regularly which is the benefit of being a freehouse totally free of any ties.
“This year we’ve increased our choice of lagers and introduced an even better range of beers from artisan breweries with a real passion for the craft of producing the most beautiful beer.”
The pub dates back to 1664 – although an inn of some kind is believed to have stood on the site for many years before.
Of the Chamber awards, Darren added: “It’s an honour to get through to the finals, more so as we are the only pub and a small, independent business.
“We look on it not only as a business but preserving a piece of Nantwich history and we’re very much part of the community.
“Whether it’s a small historic pub in Nantwich or working in the Dorchester, I apply the same high standards to food, drink and service.
“And I’m delighted with any opportunity to shine the light on Nantwich, and historic Welsh Row in particular.”
The Black Lion has been featured in the guide almost every year since electronic records began and welcomes CAMRA members from all parts of the country.
It supports Nantwich in Bloom and Nantwich-based charities through its Monday night quiz.
The pub played a key role in introducing Food History Walking Tours to Nantwich and takes part in Nantwich Food Festival with Darren appearing on stage to demo alongside well-known chefs.
For more on Black Lion heritage and food and drink offerings including booking for Christmas go to blacklionnantwich.co.uk
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