here's the links for those wondering
Cricketers Arms
Staggs Bar (The Volunteer Arms)
Wonston Arms
The Chequers
I've been in the Cricketers and didn't think it was that great but I can see how it would tick Camra boxes; I know of Staggs as its use of "return trays" (auto-vacs) brasses off a few English ex-pats in the Edinburgh Camra branch no end. I used to drive past the Wonston Arms occasionally when I worked in Basingstoke but never been in; Chequers Little Gransden? never heard of it not even when I lived in Hertfordshire (it's in Cambridgeshire apparently).
I'm pretty certain I've never been to any of them!
Been in The Fleece Inn It's not worthy IMO of the accolade. It's a village pub which I felt was awkward on my visit 23/06/2016 and 30/12/2012.
Its been a fantastic turnaround for this semi finalist. This was just three and a half years ago.
Wonston arms april 2015.jpg
"Everybody's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
-W.C.Fields