Clubs from Surrey, East London and the West Midlands make top four!
Winner: Guiseley Factory Workers Club, 6 Town Street, Guiseley, West Yorkshire, LS20 9DT / 01943 874793
Guiseley Factory Workers Club, a working men's club renowned for its outstanding beer quality and choice, has today been announced as CAMRA's National Club of the Year for 2009.
Situated in the town of Guiseley, West Yorkshire, the club previously won the CAMRA Leeds Pub of the Year in 2006, and is a regular in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. CAMRA judges noted how the club has consistently maintained a large range of quality real ales thanks to a dedicated beer selection panel on the club's managing committee.
The traditional three-roomed layout of the club consists of a lounge, snooker room and concert room, and has become a meeting place for community clubs and societies. The club holds an annual beer festival in April, and maintains a strong relationship with local brewers; this consideration for the local economy being another reason why CAMRA judges were so impressed by the club.
Since 2003, when the club began serving real ale, the management has dealt with over 142 different breweries, subsequently serving a staggering 627 different real ales from their 4 guest ale handpumps!
On hearing the news of the club's success, Paul Kennedy, Guiseley Factory Workers Club Secretary, said:
‘We are surprised to win, but it's a tremendous reward for the efforts of the people involved in the club, with our very own beer committee selecting a successful range of beer that appeals to our drinkers. Our stewards are fantastically devoted cellar men- good beer is simple to serve if you do the right things, and we at the club are all dedicated to maintaining high standards.'
There are currently around 30,000 clubs in the UK. For the search to find CAMRA's National Club of the Year, submissions were put forward by CAMRA's 200-plus local branches, with the criteria based around the club's commitment to real ale. In 2009, the Yorkshire-based working men's club reigned supreme over the three other National finalists, which were-
- United Services Club, Egham, Surrey
- Leyton Orient Supporters Club, London (also, joint National winner, 2008)
- Somers Sports and Social Club, Halesowen, West Midlands
John Holland, Chair of CAMRA's Clubs Committee, said:
‘Guiseley Factory Workers Club is a deserved winner as it is a perfect venue for the discerning real ale drinker, as well as anyone wishing to enjoy the ambience and relaxed surroundings of a great club. The staff seem extremely proud of their range at the bar, and deservedly so. Consistently excellent service and great value for money, there is also a wide range of events held to cater for the surrounding community. What more could you ask for in your local club?!'
Mick Moss, CAMRA's Regional Director for Yorkshire, displayed his local pride for a Yorkshire-based club winning the national title. He concluded:
‘The club is one of Yorkshire's most treasured real ale outlets, and has at last gained national recognition. The way the club's beer selection committee devotes so much time and thought into serving a variety of guest beers to their clientele is truly impressive, especially when coupled with the dedication and hard work of the stewards. The club is a leading example of a venue that does all the simple things right.'
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Guiseley Factory Workers Club is one of 2,300 CIU (Club and Institute Union) affiliated venues in the country.
Full details of the winner and finalists of the CAMRA National Club of the Year 2009 competition are as follows -
WINNER
- Guiseley Factory Workers Club (6 Town Street, Guiseley, West Yorkshire, LS20 9DT, 01943 874793)
FINALISTS
- United Services Club (111 Spring Rise, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9PE, 01784 435120)
- Leyton Orient Supporters Club (Matchroom Stadium, Oliver Road, London E10 5NF, 020 8988 8288)
- Somers Sports and Social Club (The Grange, Grange Hill, Halesowen, West Midlands, B62 0JH, 0121 550 1645)
For further information:
CAMRA Press Office, 01727 798443
John Holland, CAMRA Chair Clubs Committee, 01914 874666
Mick Moss, CAMRA Yorkshire Regional Director, 07885 345796
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