CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today announced the four finalists which will fight it out to be named 'Best Pub in Britain'.
CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition has been running throughout 2009. CAMRA members assess thousands of pubs across the UK, scoring on various aspects which make a great pub, including the welcome, service, atmosphere, customer mix (i.e. 18-80 year olds), décor and, of course, the quality of the real ale.
The four CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2009 finalists are:
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.' |
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Paul Hexter, Royal Oak landlord, said: 'We are thrilled to be in the final. I've been promoting real ale for the 26 years I've been at the Royal Oak, and having won the Regional award twice before, it's great to reach the National final. Our regulars are really thrilled for us, and to celebrate we are cracking open a few aged bottled beers!'
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.' |
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Daniel Prince, Crown Hotel licensee, said: 'We are really pleased with this achievement and it's a real boost for everyone at the pub, and for the beer drinking folk in Wigan. It puts everyone in a good mood, and it helps us to raise our game. With a lot of hard work we've turned this pub around from what it was a few years ago. Selling good beer is good business.'
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.' |
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Sarah Blunden, Royal Oak landlady, said: 'We are very proud to be in the running for the title again. I do feel, however, that I accept these awards on behalf of all the locals who regularly use this pub. Our pub is about people as well as beer and I think we have the best of both.'
Yorkshire
Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 8RW
Tel. 0114 272 2482, www.kelhamislandtavern.co.uk
'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.' |
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Trevor Wraith, Kelham Island Tavern licensee, said: 'Since winning the National award last year, we have been working to the same pattern, always keeping the beer of a consistent quality. It's marvellous to be in the final again this year, and we will be sticking to our formula, which involves keeping our staff well-informed and passionate about their beer.'
Julian Hough, CAMRA Pubs Director, said:
'This is a really strong year for the competition, with four outstanding community pubs vying for the National title. These pubs have got to the final after being judged on their quality many times throughout the year by CAMRA branch members and regional directors. It's going to be very difficult to decide on an overall winner, as I know each finalist brings great pleasure to a lot of people, not least within their respective local communities.'
The winner of the CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2009 is to be announced in mid-February 2010.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition is judged by the CAMRA membership. Each of the 200 CAMRA branches vote for their favourite pub. The branch winners are entered into 16 regional competitions and then the 16 winners battle it out to reach these final stages.
The previously awarded CAMRA Regional Pubs of the Year 2009 are can be found here.
For further information:
CAMRA Press Office, 01727 798443
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