The Dudley and South Staffordshire branch has presented its annual rural pub of the year award to a Wombourne pub.

The Old Bush in High Street was one of six finalists in the overall branch pub of the year competition won by the Bull & Bladder in Brierley Hill.

Branch chairman John Corser presented the award certificate to Debbie Goode, licensee of the Black Country Ales pub on Wednesday, April 16.

John Corser presents the award to Debbie and Richard Goode

Debbie and her husband Richard have run the pub since it reopened after a major refurbishment by BCA in June 2023.

John said that the South Staffordshire pub had achieved high scores for its real ale over the course of 2025 and had scored highly from judges for its community focus and welcome from staff.

Debbie put the success down to her team of staff and thanked regular customers for their support.

The Old Bush now goes through to the Staffordshire round of the Campaign for Real Ale's national Pub of the Year competition.

Debbie said that a beer festival is taking place at the Old Bush from July 2 to 5. It is planned to offer around 30 beers with an outside bar in the pub garden as well.