A PUB in Reading town centre is in the running for ‘Pub of the Year’ award after being shortlisted for the Great British Pub Awards.

Allied Arms, in St Mary's Butts, has been nominated as a finalist in the nationwide awards, with the winner being announced on Tuesday, September 19.

The pub has been shortlisted in the Stonegate Group Pub Partners Pub of the Year category alongside five other pubs in Sheffield, Bristol, Wirral and London.

Assistant manager at Allied Arms, Ellie, said the nomination has “filled the whole team with pride”.

She said: Every member of staff, from bar staff to management, works hard on a daily basis to ensure that the pub is running smoothly and that our customers enjoy every moment with us.

“It is especially meaningful due to last year being the 20th anniversary of the Rolls family taking the reins.

“The work that they have put into the Allied Arms shines through and we hope that we can continue this legacy to the highest standard in the years to come."

Two other Berkshire pubs – The Loch & The Tyne, Old Windsor, and The Hinds Head, Bray – have also been shortlisted in the Best Pub for Food category.

A spokesperson for the Allied Arms took to social media to share the nomination, commenting: “Here’s to showcasing our incredible beer garden, great range of guest ales and our traditional British pub in hopes of taking the top spot!”

Residents were quick to congratulate the team for the “well deserved” achievement.

Allied Arms will be up against pubs from across the UK in the Great British Pub Awards finals ceremony on Tuesday, September 19 at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.