The Cirencester sub-branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presented its Area Pub of the Year 2026 award for the Cirencester area to The Drillman’s Arms in Gloucester Road in Stratton on Tuesday, January 27. This is the second year running the venue has won the award. In 2026, the competition was very close, with The Marlborough Arms in Cirencester’s Sheep Street second and The Hop Kettle in Cirencester’s The Woolmarket third with only one vote between them. The Cirencester sub-branch described The Drillman’s Arms as ‘a fabulous example of a true local pub serving four very-well-kept cask ales’. “At a time when there is quite a lot of negative press regarding the difficulties in the pub trade, it is great to be able to experience what a well-run pub can be and demonstrates that there continues to be a demand for these type of establishments.”