A pub in Dunfermline that's "full of character" has just been named one of the best in the UK. The Commercial Inn took the top spot for Scotland and Northern Ireland and has been shortlisted as one of 16 finalists all in with a chance of winning the CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition 2022.
The award-winning former hotel is housed within a 19th-century category-C listed building on Douglas Street and regularly places highly in competitions with CAMRA. It regularly features real ale and ciders from around Scotland and the UK, with breweries including Orkney, Spey Valley, Fyne and Alechemy all appearing on tap.
Speaking about the Commercial Inn representing Scotland and Northern Ireland in the finals, a CAMRA spokesperson said: "This 19th-century listed building is full of character. Formerly a hotel, it retains the high ceilings and decorative cornice from that period.
"Another feature of this pub is that it has a spiral staircase which leads down to the lower levels. Located at the heart of the town centre, just a short distance from the main retail area it attracts an eclectic mix of clientele, especially on match days."
The competition, which has been on hold over the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, judges the pubs on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.
National coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, Andrea Briers, stated that the overall winner will be announced on November 30 this year and urged all pub-goers to support their local after an incredibly difficult few years for the industry.
They said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our beloved pubs as they jump from one crisis to yet another one. The fact that we’re still seeing such shining examples of pub excellence despite these challenges is incredible, and a real testament to these winners.
“I’d encourage everyone to go out and support their local and even seek out these fantastic pubs in your area – they really are the cream of the crop and uphold the very highest standards of what makes a great pub.”
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