It’s called the Past and Present, and things aren’t looking too bad for the future too after Medway’s first micropub picked up CAMRA awards for the third year running.

Landlord Dave Hallowell was enjoying the moment as his pub, in Skinner Street, Gillingham, was declared Medway CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year.

Previously an engineer, Mr Hallowell had no experience of running pubs before starting up the micropub three years ago, and his success inspired others to follow suit, with four others springing up across the Towns.

The concept was simple – good beer and cider in a friendly place where people can have a conversation without the distraction of TVs, piped music, loud bands or gambling machines.

The success was such that he gave up his job nine months ago to concentrate on the venture, which he runs with wife Lorraine and business partners Colin and Sue Maskell.

“Last year we got cider pub of the year and we got runner-up for cider pub in Kent, and in the first year we were joint cider pub of the year,” he said. “We’ve only been going three years in August so it’s good.

VIDEO: The Past and Present has been named Pub, and Cider Pub of the Year by Medway CAMRA

“If I’m honest it’s quite an achievement for us because we’ve never done anything like this before.

“It’s not our background but we must be doing something right.

“To get these awards in less than three years is quite an achievement. Our main aim was to get in the Good Beer Guide. All the rest I didn’t expect.

“I’m really chuffed.”

The team of owners run the pub without the help of hired staff, and while he admits it gets hectic at times, he is not about to change the formula.

“It’s what we do,” he said simply – and the regulars will hope it’s what he does for many years to come.