STAFF at a Hampshire Brewery are celebrating after pub landlords hailed it as the best in Britain.

Ringwood Brewery, known for local favourites such as Fortyniner and Old Thumper, has been named Cask Ale Supplier of the Year in industry bible the Morning Advertiser’s Supplier Awards 2010.

The award was voted for by tens of thousands of publicans in a secret ballot over six months.

Jeff Drew head brewer at Ringwood said staff were delighted.

“This award means a lot to us as it’s voted for by the people who really matter – our customers. We’re incredibly humbled by this and would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us.”

Mr Drew added Ringwood won the award because they had recognised that, as pubs in the New Forest faced some of the toughest economic conditions for a generation, the role of a local brewery had to go beyond simply selling beer.

“Customers have been able to get their entire drinks order delivered in one go by experienced draymen with great local knowledge of their area, but they also have access to a wide range of services to improve their profitability.

“We see our role as growing our customers’ businesses with ours as much as we do brewing great local beer,” he added.