WITH a world of beers, foraged food and roaring log fires, Cricklade’s historic Red Lion pub has raked in the plaudits since the new management team took over four years ago.

Behind the immaculate hanging baskets welcoming visitors to the acclaimed town inn are 10 hand pumps dispensing real ales and 70 bottled tipples from across the globe.

And while the words ‘locally sourced’ are regarded as a cliché here, the pub even keeps its own pigs and has a micro-brewery in the pipeline.

In an age where landlords are being forced to shut up shop in their droves, the Red Lion, a genuine free house not tied to any brewery, has become a stand-out success under owner Tom Gee and his team.

"We have a lot of passion about what we do,” Tom said.

“When you walk into a pub you can immediately tell when the team and the owner are not passionate about their business.

“The only customers who are not happy here are people who expect the identikit pub meals you get everywhere.

“We offer diversity, cater for almost every avenue and concentrate heavily on our products, be it beer or food.

“There is also a good, friendly feel to the place and part of that is down to the customers and the fact we have been heavily supported by the town.”

The pub, which dates back to the early 1600s, is situated in High Street just off the Thames path as it passes through Cricklade.

A collection of bric-a-bric brought in my regulars also helps avoid the “identikit” tag.

Along with recommendations in every pub guide of note, the Red Lion is also Country Dining Pub Of The Year 2012 and features in two Michelin guides.

“We match bottled beers with dishes and though it is an over-used phrase, the menu is entirely based around local seasonal produce,” Tom said.

“We have foragers out collecting wild ingredients and have our own pigs.

“We try everything we can to keep challenging ourselves.”

The big ask now is maintaining and building on the pub’s stratospheric reputation.

“We come in for more scrutiny as people’s expectations grow and it’s a lot of hard work making sure every aspect of the business works as it should,” Tom said.

“After three years of extremely hard work footfall has increased and people are travelling from as far afield as Cheltenham to visit us.

“I love a challenge though and what makes it all worthwhile is the satisfaction of seeing people enjoy themselves and receiving positive comments.

“I’m also very lucky to have a great team including a fantastic chef who love what they do.

“The day I don’t enjoy doing this I’m getting out as it’s far too much hard work to do for the money alone.”

The Adver has teamed up with the Campaign for Real Ale to showcase the best pubs in the area for Community Pubs Month, which ends on Monday.