The pints have been pulled, the stories have been told, the pubs have been chosen - now it's time to vote in the John Smith’s Only Ordinary by Name Pub competition.

Dozens of pubs from across our region received nominations from regulars but only two could be shortlisted.

Now its over to you to cast your vote below to crown your regional 'Only Ordinary By Name' pub, that will win £300 and progress to the national final.

An expert judging panel will then select the overall winner to receive a £5000 top prize.

Of that jackpot payment, £4,500 will go to the winning pub to spend on improvements for punters such as a new sound system or perhaps refurb the beer garden, and £500 to the deserving landlord.

Voting closes 23rd July at 6pm.

Terms apply and T&Cs can be found here . Get ‘em in!

Please drink responsibly.

Select your favourite Only Ordinary by Name pub below:

Royal Oak (DE13 7HZ)

The Tudor-style pub has never been as popular as it is today, with regulars from far afield choosing it as their ‘local’. It was radically revamped in 2008, creating a pleasant, open-plan interior.

What makes the pub Only Ordinary By Name for many is the huge secluded back garden, a surprising feature for many punters as the pub sits on the corner of the village’s main crossroads.

But the pub has long been also known for its freshly cooked and locally sourced British food, with one chef recently reaching the final of the Publican Pub Food Awards and taking part in a cook-off judged by Gordon Ramsay.

Owners Roger and Gillian have only been running the pub for three months, but they have already their mark, with social events like whisky tastings, and a menu that has Oriental influences.

Olde Royal Oak (DE13 7HZ)

A town centre pub drenched in history, the Olde Royal Oak once served as Burton’s prison and is reputedly haunted by the ghostly spectres of former inmates.

These sightings are one of the reasons the pub is Only Ordinary By Name, and have also made it an obligatory stop on Burton’s well-known ghost walks.

The halftimbered end-terrace pub is one of the oldest hostelries in the town, dating back to the mid-17th century, and inside many original features remain, including the old oak beams, which now surround a cosy open-plan bar lounge.

The market place pub has become a hub for live music, with bands playing on most weekends and often also during the week. The bar often stays open late and has gained a Cask Marque for the excellence of its beers.


To submit your vote, please select your favourite Only Ordinary by Name pub & enter your details below