Why The Baum in Rochdale is the best pub in Britain

A family-run 'traditional boozer' has been named the best pub in Britain by real ale group Camra.

The Baum in Rochdale was bought by married couple Simon and Heidi Crompton two days after their first child was born.

Mr Crompton has worked at the pub for two decades, joining as a barman in 1993 and purchasing the establishment in 2005.

He said: "We are about keeping tradition going, so we run a traditional boozer, offering eight handpump beers and good quality food.

[Related: Bournemouth v California: Dorset town takes on Schwarzenegger and the LA set]

"People don't go out every night any more, so we try to make it a bit of a treat to come here.

"We don't have a jukebox, just background music, because coming here is about people getting together."

The winner of the national pub of the year competition were praised for its range of beers, atmosphere and warm welcome to punters.

Mrs Crompton, who runs the business with her husband, said: "We are a family-run pub with our values influencing every aspect of the business in relationships with our staff and suppliers. We are dedicated to the buy local, shop local initiative, always willing to support independent businesses."

Camra's Good Beer Guide describes The Baum as: "A split-level hostelry with old world charm next door to the world's first Co-operative store."

Next door is the Pioneers Museum on the site of the original Co-op shop.

The other finalists in the competition were last year's winners, the Bridge End Inn in Ruabon, North Wales, Conqueror Alehouse in Ramsgate, Kent, and Tom Cobley Tavern in Spreyton, Devon.