A MUSSELBURGH pub is toasting double success in a competition run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Staggs on North High Street was named Lothian Pub of the Year after being voted in at number one by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Branch of CAMRA, and also won the overall title of Branch Pub of the Year

Musselburgh’s Levenhall Arms was runner-up in the competition, with the Dean Tavern in Newtongrange, Midlothian, in third place.

Staggs is a multiple winner of both awards in previous years.

The Branch Pub of the Year accolade followed a series of random visits by a panel of judges who scored on factors like beer quality, service, welcome, community focus, atmosphere, style and decor, comfort and alignment with CAMRA principles.

Pub owner Nigel Finlay said that he was delighted to win these awards again, receiving certificates from Pat Hanson, from North Berwick, chairman of CAMRA Edinburgh and South East Scotland Branch.

The pub sells a rotating selection of at least five cask ales, often including beers from Fyne Ales, Loch Lomond and Oakham breweries, as well as real cider.

Mr Finlay said: “It’s nothing new here at Staggs to receive CAMRA awards for our beer quality and, I hope, welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

“We’ve been on the receiving end for over 20 years now, and the feeling of winning just gets better and better.

“This year, the pub’s 160th year in my family’s ownership, so far we’re the Lothians winner and the branch overall winner.

“We progress to the Scottish and Northern Ireland finals and, with a bit of luck, possibly the UK finals again [which the pub won in 1998].

“It’s quite an honour to represent your country and we’d love to have another bash at it.”