Conqueror landlord Colin Aris accepts the East Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year award from East Kent Area Organiser Jeff Waller earlier this year

A pub's landlords are toasting their success after being shortlisted as one of the top four pubs in the country!

The Conqueror Alehouse in Ramsgate has been hailed by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, as a finalist in its National Pub of the Year competition for 2012.

Pubs are scored by CAMRA members on the various aspects which make up a great pub, including its community focus, service and welcome, atmosphere, decor, value for money.

But, most importantly for the judges, it's the quality of the real ale served that counts.

The current national champion, the Bridge End Inn, in Ruabon, Wrexham, is alos shortlisted, as are a Rochdale watering hole and a Devon tavern.

Colin Aris, Conqueror Alehouse licensee, said: "We are obviously absolutely thrilled and proud to be the first micro pub and pub from Ramsgate to have ever got this far in this national competition.

"This success is vindication of the micro pub model, and shows such pubs have a valid place in today's industry."

The overall winner will be announced next February.

Julian Hough, CAMRA pubs director, said it was a credit to all four pubs to thrive in challenging economic times.

He added: "Uniquely this year, all four are diverse in terms of size and business model.

"These pubs exemplify how combining first quality real ale, listening to the needs of their customer and community base, supporting local breweries and paying attention to detail can drive trade."