Winner: Kelham Island Tavern, 62 Russell Street, Sheffield, S3 8RW / 0114 272 2482 / kelhamislandtavern.co.uk
Presentation: Wednesday February 17th, 1pm
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today crowned the Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield, as its National Pub of the Year for 2009.
Last year, the Kelham Island Tavern picked up the same award, making it the first pub in CAMRA's history to win its most coveted accolade in consecutive years. Only two other pubs have ever won the award twice- the Fat Cat, Norwich (1998, 2004), and the Swan, Little Totham, Essex (2002, 2005).
CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition analyses all the criteria that make a good pub including the quality of the beer, atmosphere, décor, customer service, and all-round value of the pub visit. The competition is overseen by CAMRA's 110,000-strong membership.
On a local level, the pub has held the title of CAMRA Yorkshire Regional Pub of the Year on four occasions. The pub is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2010 accompanied by the following description:
'Selected as CAMRA's National Pub of the Year in 2008 after previously picking up many local and regional awards, this small gem was rescued from dereliction as recently as 2002. An impressive 10 permanent handpumps include two that always dispense a mild and a stout/porter, so you are sure to find something to suit your mood. In the warmer months you can relax in the pub's multi-award winning beer garden.'
Praising the pub for its historic achievement, Julian Hough, CAMRA Pubs Director, said:
'The Kelham Island Tavern holds a remarkable record in CAMRA's pub competitions bearing in mind the pub only opened in 2002. With so many fantastic community pubs in Sheffield, it's difficult enough to be crowned the best in the Steel City, let alone in the whole of the UK! The pub's success is thoroughly deserved due to its high attention to detail, service to the surrounding community, and quality in all areas, not least in the beer.
'The owners have today written their names in CAMRA's history books, and are continuing to demonstrate how to run a thriving pub business in the current climate.'
On hearing the news of winning another National accolade, Trevor Wraith, Kelham Island Tavern licensee, said:
'We are once again overwhelmed at the judges' results and delighted to be awarded CAMRA's top prize for the second year running. It's truly a great achievement and something we never dreamt of when we first opened.
'Winning last year only made us work harder to meet and beat peoples' expectations, with people travelling from all over the UK to visit us. With this award, our aim is that we maintain our high standards and continue to fulfil people's high hopes of our pub.'
The presentation of the National Pub of the Year 2009 award will take place at the Kelham Island Tavern on Wednesday February 17th at 1pm. If you would like to attend the presentation please call Jon Howard, CAMRA press officer on 01727 798443 or 07939 425471, or email him at jon.howard@camra.org.uk
Central Southern
Royal Oak Inn, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 8DF
Tel. 01235 763129, www.royaloakwantage.co.uk
'Photographs of ships bearing the pub's name adorn the walls in this street-corner pub. The lounge bar features a wrought-iron trelliswork, larglely hidden by over 300 pump clips. The smaller public bar attracts a younger crowd. A mecca for the discerning drinker, the pub is a primary outlet for Pitstop and West Berks ales in the area- two beers carry the landlord's name.' |
 |
Greater Manchester
Crown Hotel, Worthington, Gtr Manchester, WN1 2XF
Tel. 0800 068 6678, www.thecrownatworthington.co.uk
'Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2006 and 2008, this country inn offers eight cask beers and two scrumpy ciders, and acts as the brewery tap for Prospect beers. High quality home-cooked food is served in the bar and conservatory restaurant, while a large decked sun terrace at the rear has patio heaters for cooler evenings. Mini beer festivals are held about four times a year.' |
 |
Surrey and Sussex
Royal Oak, Friday Street, West Sussex, RH12 4QA
Tel. 01293 871393
'A lovely, isolated, low-beamed, narrow free house that is well worth finding, with seven handpumps for real ale, three for cider and two for perry. Ales are usually from local micro-breweries and are constantly changing. CAMRA National Pub of the Year Runner-Up in 2009. This is a real gem.' |
 |
ENDS
Notes to editors:
CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition is judged by the CAMRA membership. Each CAMRA branch votes for their favourite pub. They are judged on criteria such as customer service, décor, clientele mix, value for money, and of course the quality of their real ale. The branch winners are entered into 16 regional competitions, and then the 16 winners battle it out to reach the final stages of the National competition.
Notes to picture desks:
Please email Jon Howard at jon.howard@camra.org.uk if you are interested in receiving an image of the Kelham Island Tavern, or would like an image of the presentation after it has taken place.
For further information:
Jon Howard, CAMRA Press Officer, 01727 798443 or 07939 425471
Andy Cullen, CAMRA Sheffield branch chairman, 07554 005 225
Trevor Wraith, Kelham Island Tavern licensee, 0114 272 2482
Kelham Island Tavern website, kelhamislandtavern.co.uk
|