A much-loved landmark pub in Dursley recently celebrated its 30 year anniversary.

The Old Spot - also known as The Spot - marked three decades last Saturday with music, friends and of course foaming glasses of ale.

The Hill Road boozer - formerly known as the Fox and Hounds - was bought by Ric and Ellie Sainty in 1993 from national pub and hotel brand Whitbread after previously failing to sell at auction. 

It wasn't long before the pair soon converted the 18th century pub into a real ale destination. 

Sadly, Ric died in 2008, but his legacy continues under Ellie's leadership, as the pub continues to draw new and old customers. 

Over the last three decades, it has won multiple awards from the area’s most dedicated beer-drinkers from Dursley & District CAMRA and was even awarded the highest accolade of national pub of the year in 2007.

Landlady Ellie Sainty said she is already looking forward to the next 30 years.

"The last 30 years have been incredible,” she said. 

“It is quite an achievement to have been here this long and still being good!

Stroud News and Journal: Ellie Sainty (middle) and The Old Spot team with their pub of the year 2023 CAMRA award for the Dursley area Ellie Sainty (middle) and The Old Spot team with their pub of the year 2023 CAMRA award for the Dursley area (Image: Ellie Sainty, Old Spot Inn)

“I have had so much laughter and fun here, our locals are true characters and nothing beats quality bar banter. 

“We have said goodbye to several older customers over the years, but I'm now serving the children of the students we served back in our early days.

"It's lovely to be a part of the fantastic town of Dursley.

“A pint of good beer and a chat with friends is a very important part of the social fabric of a community and is an affordable simple pleasure. 

“I look forward to pulling many more pints and chatting with my friends and customers. 

"If I'm honest, I don't do so many shifts these days as I'm nearly 60, but I'm very lucky to have Emily and Will heading up the team.

"They have both completed their hospitality management and supervisory courses and have licences so I get much more time to have more beer!”