The Star Inn, Wenhaston, near Halesworth, was named by the North East Campaign for Real Ale as their Rural Pub of the Year for 2026, which they won previously in 2019.

Landlord Carl Ernsting said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised by CAMRA and their members who voted for us. We stick rigidly to our values of being a traditional English country pub, firmly rooted in the 1970’s."

The Star was purpose built as a pub in 1841. (Image: Simon Parker)

Mr Ernsting and Virginia Chater have been in charge of the pub for nearly 18 years, and now run it as a freehold after buying the pub from Adnams in 2012.

The pub was built in 1841, with the inside featuring a range of historic items, signs and posters from across the years.

"It is a true representation of CAMRA," Mr Ernsting said.

"We always offer a selection of the excellent Green Jack ales, including their Trawlerboys, which was Champion Beer of Britain (premium bitters section) 2024.

"In addition to supporting local brewers, we often offer nationally acclaimed ales from other regions, such as Harvey's from Sussex, Black Sheep from Yorkshire and Tiny Rebel from Wales."

The pub holds two beer festivals a year, with 30 ales and ciders. (Image: Thomas Marks)

The pub also hosts two beer festivals a year, which take place on the bank holiday weekends at the ends of May and August, featuring 30 ales and ciders, local bands and a BBQ.

Mr Ernsting said: "This award is an accolade to our customers, with whom we have established close relationships, with ale-loving locals and visitors alike."

As well as local ales, The Star also serves food Tuesday to Saturday from midday to 2.30pm and again from 6pm to 8pm.

North East Suffolk CAMRA also named the Old Tap in Beccles as their Pub of the Year 2026, which opened in 2024 in the former Halifax building.

The Beccles pub also won Town Pub of the Year 2025.

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