A SOUTHAMPTON watering hole is in the running to be the country’s best pub.

The Rockstone Pub, pictured, in Onslow Road, Bevois Valley, beat off hundreds of other entries to scoop the ‘Best Cask Beer Pub in the South-East and London Region for the Great British Pub Awards 2013.

Now the popular pub could be crowned the best pub in Britain at a glamorous awards ceremony in London at the Hilton Hotel on September 12.

The pub, which used to be called the Bevois Castle, was taken over 18 months ago by owner Max Greenwood, who said he is delighted that it is being recognised.

He said: “It would be great to be crowned “Best Pub Ever” in Britain but the one award that really matters for us is the Daily Echo best local award, because we want to be recognised as the best pub in Southampton.”