Murphy’s in Leamington voted as Bar of the Year 2014

Murphy's Bar,in Regent Street, Leamington, has recently been voted as The Courier and Weekly News' Bar of the Year 2014. Pictured: Kevin Murphy (Owner), together with staff, friends, family and regulars. NNL-150113-215432009

The bar in Regent Street fended off stiff competition from The Newbold Comyn Arms in Leamington, which came second, and The Old Post Office in Warwick in third.

Expressing his delight at winning the trophy, Murphy’s owner Kevin Murphy said: “It’s fantastic. We do a lot for our customers and it’s good to get the appreciation for it.”

“We’ve always been a family run and friendly place.

“We had some teething problems in the early days but we get a real mix of people in here now from all different backgrounds and occupations.

“It’s what a pub should be - a place where someone can come in on their own, have a few beers, meet people and have a chat.

“We’re a local pub in a town centre.”

Kevin rented the bar, which was Bakers Wine Bar in 1992 and bought the lease a year later.

For seven years the bar has sponsored sports teams in the town including Murphy’s FC, Old Leamingtonian’s ladies rugby team, Warwick University’s men’s and ladies’ rugby teams and also has darts and pool teams.

The student teams meet there on a Sunday morning and Wednesday night respectively.

Events include dominoes matches, Rock ‘N’ Roll Bingo, ladies nights, and a Friday night disco.

The bar serves breakfasts and Sunday lunches and holds happy hours on drinks prices.

To date, Murphy’s has raised more than £30,000 for good causes including The Myton Hospices, Queen Elizabeth Hospitals Military Ward, Leamington Rehabilitation Hospital, Help For Heroes, Cystic Fibrosis and Help The Homeless.