ASK any seasoned pub visitor in Swindon where the best place to go for a pint is, and the Roaring Donkey will be up there with the best, if not top.

Tucked away in Albert Street, Old Town, the watering hole certified its reputation with a hat-trick of Best Bar None awards last year.

The Donkey landed best pub, best overall pub and the Swindon Advertiser reader award in the commendations organised by local agencies including the police and the fire service. The pub has also been granted a cask marque, an independent award granted for high-quality cask ale.

An entry in the Good Beer Guide 2011 helps complete a set of credentials few other venues can match.

Landlord Matthew Buy, 34, has won the loyalty of students and CAMRA buffs by serving decent beer and talking to the customers.

“We are a traditional pub that doesn’t offer anything else apart from a good pint of ale, a free jukebox and a safe and friendly environment,” he said. “We don’t offer sport or food. We make sure the beer’s kept well and there’s always a pleasant atmosphere. People appreciate that.

“We have the ales on rotation, including 6X, a local beer, and two guest beers. This summer we will have GB, which Greene King is bringing out for the Olympics.

“Having three ales means the turnover is good and they don’t get stale. This way we know we are serving a good pint every time.”

Matthew and wife Cara, 32, have been at the pub for five years. Matthew was the manager for the first two years before the couple took over the running of it.

They remain modest about the Roaring Donkey’s reputation.

“We get good feedback from the customers and we seem to be ticking the right boxes,” Matthew said.

“A major factor, however, is the customers, who range from 18-year-olds to two people in their 80s. What makes it all worthwhile is at the end of the night when you’ve been really busy, everyone’s had a good drink, but been sensible, and you’ve had a bit of banter with the customers.”

The Adver is featuring the best pubs in Swindon for Community Pubs Month, run by the Campaign for Real Ale to champion the local trade.