A CATFORD pub has gone from being potentially turned into a supermarket to winning the award for south east London's best boozer.

The Catford Bridge Tavern closed down last year as developers eyed up the building for conversion into shops and flats.

But, following a community campaign, it reopened and has now landed the title of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) south east London pub of the year, beating off competition from around 500 other venues.

It caps a triumphant year for the Station Approach venue, which opened in early 2012 after chain Antic took over the troubled Copperfield pub building - previously the scene of drug allegations and late night car bonnet riding outside by drunken punters.

Assistant manager Alex Hepworth, who runs the pub alongside Theresa Matzat, said: "Obviously we're not in it for accolades and things like that but it's such a bonus for me and all the staff.

"It's been incredible, especially with the year we've had. It shows we're doing something right and it's giving something back to the local people that campaigned so hard to keep us open."

Mr Hepworth said main manger Richard Salthouse had played a big part, allowing staff to order in unique ales, most recently a Brockley-brewed pale ale which sold out in one night.

He said: "It's great to be able to support local businesses too."

Their prize, which was voted for by 1,600 south east London CAMRA members, is due to be handed over soon.

Pub preservation officer for the CAMRA branch Neil Pettigrew said: "Above all it demonstrates that the a pub that had been all but written off by the previous owners can be turned around.

"It's become a well run pub with friendly and welcoming staff."

He added: "The campaign to save it proves that, if people do get together, you can save a pub, you can make a difference."

At a mayor and council meeting tonight next week, councillors are set to confirm an Article 4 direction removing the right to change the use of the building without planning permission.