An Irish pub in Forest Hill has been named the best boozer in London.

The Blythe Hill Tavern in Stanstead Road, impressed judges from the Society For The Preservation Of Beers From The Wood (SPBW) with its wide range of fine beers, excellent hospitality and friendly service. 

The pub itself is run by Cornelius 'Con' Riordan and serves a wide range of well liked beers, its most popular being Dark Star Hophead bitter. 

Mr Riordan, who is 55 and originally from Limerick in Ireland, set up the pub 27 years ago and has enjoyed local and far reaching success with customers.

When asked about why he thought Blythe Hill had been voted the winner, he said: "It's the quality of the real ale, and the quality of the service." 

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The award will be presented to him and his staff on January 28. 

The Blythe Hill Tavern, situated on the A205 circular between Catford and Forest Hill,  is a Victorian corner pub with a traditional three room layout. There is a regular quiz night as well as live Irish music. 

Roger Jacobson, from the SPBW, said: " They make you feel very welcome, the staff are polite and the beer is amazing."

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He added that the Blythe Hill Tavern had been up against 14 other pubs in London and had almost won the title in previous years, however 2015 saw them finally gain recognition for their excellent services. 

The SPBW is a society set up by seven disgruntled beer drinkers in 1963.