Latest news with #CAMRAPuboftheYear
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Ruabon: Bridge End pub receives Dee Valley CAMRA award
On Thursday, June 12, the Bridge End nestled in the heart of Ruabon welcomed punters to celebrate their continued success as the prestigious award was presented. The cosy, rustic and traditional real ale pub serves as the beating heart of the community. The McGivern family - Gill, Peter and son, Matthew - have proudly run the establishment since 2008, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all. Matthew McGivern, delighted to receive the honour, said: "It's just great, and it means a lot to us and to our customers. We've won this so many times before, but it always goes a long way." The establishment is a wet-led pub with seven hand pumps, three lagers including Wrexham, and a great selection of wines, spirits and bar snacks. (Image: NQ) CAMRA's prestigious awards are given to recognise the very best pubs, clubs, beer and cider. It created the sub-branch Dee Valley just two-years-ago, following a CAMRA National Executive decision to restructure branches that crossed national borders. A Dee Valley CAMRA spokesperson said: "Winning the Dee Valley CAMRA Pub of the Year means that the Bridge End is being recognised for excellence in our region. "Most importantly it means that the pub serves a great selection of cask ales that they keep in excellent condition. MOST READ "The award also demonstrates that the pub has a great atmosphere, is involved in the local community and is a fantastic place for locals and visitors to come and enjoy. "The service is fantastic and the owners and staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, particularly about their beer." The pub will continue to fly the flag for real ale that draws both locals and ale enthusiasts from across the UK.
Western Telegraph
07-06-2025
- Western Telegraph
Beer only Cresselly Arms in Pembrokeshire named pub of week
The Grade II listed Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay is a 250-year-old riverside pub with a Victorian public bar dating back to the 1880s. The pub, which won the Pembrokeshire CAMRA Pub of the Year awards in 2015 and 2024, and was named the Wales CAMRA Pub of the Year 2024, has retained much of its original charm over the years. Not only is it Grade II listed, but it has a cosy farm kitchen interior, complete with a red and black quarry-tiled floor, a roaring open cast-iron fireplace, and Victorian-era counter and bar-back shelves. It serves a wide selection of beers and lagers, including its popular Quay Ale, but it does not serve food. (Image: Supplied) However, it sometimes hosts barbecue events outside during the summer months, and it partners with street food vendors like Feast Pembrokeshire and We Love Curry to cater for customers. The Cresselly Arms can be reached by boat from the Milford Haven estuary or by paddleboard at high tide, and it's just a short drive from Tenby. It's also situated on several walking routes, making it a favourite spot for hikers. A spokesperson from the Cresselly Arms said: "On a bright summer's day, the pub provides the perfect setting to watch the sun set over the estuary - that is, if you're lucky enough to snag a table." The pub is a sanctuary for both locals and tourists, hosting community events and offering four cask beers. (Image: Supplied) It also has a homely farm kitchen interior, where a fire burns in the hearth. It is accessible by boat from the Milford Haven estuary at high tide and lies on a series of interesting walking routes. A spokesperson added: "Given its prime location, it's no surprise that this popular pub gets crowded when the weather is warm." The pub also boasts a Victorian public bar, which dates back to the 1880s and has retained much of its original charm over the years. The pub is a Grade II listed Pembrokeshire heritage pub.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Popular pub campaigner and YouTuber gives verdict on Black Country boozers
A POPULAR YouTuber and avid pub campaigner who travels up and down the country with his partner reviewing the nation's watering holes has given his verdict on his top Black Country boozers. Dale Harvey and his wife, Holly, run the Great British Pub Crawl, which has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media who are eagerly supporting the couple's mission to visit every pub in the UK. From London to Nottingham to Manchester and everywhere in between, the pair have been all over the country, but Dale told The News that the Black Country has something special about it. "It's just such a great area," he said. "The people are friendly, and it has two of the best, if not the best, breweries in the UK - Bathams and Black Country Ales. "It escapes people's radars, as people automatically think of Birmingham when in the West Midlands." On top of his high praise for the Black Country as a whole, Dale revealed his favourite town, and also his favourite boozer, which he has visited in the region. He said: "I've never had a bad day out in the Black Country, but Stourbridge is especially brilliant. "The selection of pubs in the Amblecote Triangle is truly great. "That crawl is a proper hidden gem. "Then, nearby over Brierley Hill way, The Delph Run never disappoints. "It was sad to hear about The Black Horse closing recently - all the stops on that route are great." But where did Dale crown his favourite pub in the Black Country? Here's what he said: Favourite pub: The Queen's Head, Wordsley "That place is out of this world," Dale said. "It has to be my number one." The Black Country Ales pub is a firm village favourite, with a classic interior, a nice beer garden and a great atmosphere. Honourable mention: The Vine 'AKA The Bull and Bladder', Brierley Hill Dale said: "Whatever you know it as, it is a phenomenal boozer." The Bull and Bladder has also recently been crowned not only The Telegraph's Best Pub in the West Midlands, but also the 2025 Dudley CAMRA Pub of the Year. Honourable mention: Severn Stars, Stourbridge Dale gave this Black Country Ales pub a special shout-out, and he is not the only one to have given it praise as of late. The Oldswinford drinking hole has been crowned the 2025 Stourbridge and Halesowen CAMRA Pub of the Year Honourable mention: The Court of Requests, Oldbury Despite being a Weatherspoons pub, which Dale said he does not often praise highly, he said The Court of Requests is truly unique. Set in an old courthouse, this pub has a rich historical character that makes it unlike any other pub in the region. It isn't just the pubs in the region that Dale has praise for. He said: "I have never been a cask ale drinker, but Batham's Best Bitter is undeniably good. "I would go as far as to say it is the best bitter in the world." Dale is planning a return to the Black Country in a couple of weeks, taking on Stourbridge for the third time in June.
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire pub claims regional pub of the year award
The Village Inn in Fairlie has been chosen as the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Pub of the Year. An Ayrshire pub has been named as regional pub of the year for 2025 by CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale. Fairlie's Village Inn was selected following a rigorous judging process to be named the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Pub of the Year. The popular pub will no go onto the national finals where it will represent Ayrshire and could be named Scottish CAMRA Pub of the Year. After a close-run competition, the Village Inn came out as the overall winner, with judges commending it for the quality of the real ales, friendly atmosphere and tasty home-cooked meals. Last week, Thursday, May 22, the pub was presented with its award by Lindsay Grant, Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA branch chair. A total of 26 CAMRA members from across the region turned out to celebrate the achievement and they were treated to a number of fine real ales. Currently, the Village Inn offers four ales including Jack Back and Stewart's 80/- from Stewart Brewing as well as Caledonian Brewery's Deuchars IPA and McGregor's by Five Kingdoms. Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson has also celebrated the achievement by submitting a motion to the Scottish Parliament which congratulates the pub and highlights "the contribution of owner Brian Flanagan and his team in achieving this recognition". A spokesperson for Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA said: "The Village Inn, Fairlie has been judged as Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year 2025. "A presentation was held recently on Thursday, May 22, to give licensee Brian Flanagan his award. "The Village Inn now goes forward to be judged against the other Scottish branch winners in this year's competition, with the overall Scottish Pub of the Year winner being announced at the end of July. "Thanks also to local MSP Kenneth Gibson for lodging a motion to the Scottish Parliament to congratulate the Village Inn, Fairlie for winning the Branch Pub of the Year 2025." The Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA branch holds regular socials every month to which anyone is welcome to attend and have a chat about anything whilst enjoying a pint of real ale. Recent socials have seen the enthusiasts enjoy the ales over in Fraser's Bar, Millport; the Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs; and the Harbour Bar, Troon. Full details of forthcoming events can be found online at The next North Ayrshire and Branch social will be held at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival held in the Briggait, Glasgow on Friday 20 June from 12pm.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Britain's best 20 pubs for retro pints revealed – is one near you?
These pubs are ideal for enjoying this classic British brew CHEERS Britain's best 20 pubs for retro pints revealed – is one near you? SUMMER is approaching, and it's the perfect time to visit some of the UK's best pubs. Whether you fancy a riverside retreat, a lively beer garden, or a quirky spot with history, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has picked 20 pubs that offer something special. 11 From Norfolk to Leicestershire, and as far as Northern Ireland and Wales, the pubs on the list are perfect for enjoying a pint of mild This list comes from CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, and its chairman Ash Corbett-Collins is urging everyone to try a retro pint this summer – mild. Yes, mild... This underrated beer is making a comeback. It's lower in alcohol, packed with flavour, and perfect for sunny days without leaving you feeling too full. Ash said: "Celebrating CAMRA's Mild Month this May is a great way to try something a bit different and to support brilliant independent breweries across the country at the same time. "Mild beers are a great option at the bar during the warmer weather thanks to their sweeter flavour profile. "Cask conditioned mild beer is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as people recognise the great taste and quality of cask beer freshly made by artisan brewers, as well as exploring traditional British beer styles." From Norfolk to Leicestershire, and as far as Northern Ireland and Wales, the pubs on CAMRA's list are perfect for enjoying a pint of mild. So, why not raise a glass to Mild this summer? Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious first-timer, these pubs offer the perfect setting to enjoy this traditional British brew. Britain's best beer ranked New Plough Inn - Hinckley, Leicestershire 11 New Plough Inn - Hinckley, Leicestershire Credit: Facebook With outside seating at the front and a sheltered beer garden and heated, covered smokers' area to the rear of the pub, this pub is a great place to visit all year round but particularly in the summer. Open noon to midnight every weekend, they have won the Hinckley and Bosworth CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011, 2012, 2022 and 2023. Marston's Cask Ale Pub of the Year 2014 (South Region). Darts, dominoes, crib and skittles are played in the games room, and you can enjoy a fresh pint of Shipstone's Mild while you play. The Cricketers Arms - Saint Helens The Cricketers, home to St Helens' last remaining brewery, Howzat, has brewed a new beer to mark Mild Month. Launched on May 10, Gully Mild (3.5%) is a traditional dark brew served alongside a variety of other milds at the bar. The pub serves Real Ale and Cider and is dog friendly, with a brilliant beer garden – a great pub for these hot months. The Smithfield - Derby 11 The Smithfield - Derby Credit: CAMRA A handsome riverside pub with a central bar serving the main bar and separate quiet back bar. They serve Sarah Hughes – Dark Ruby Mild and were Derby CAMRA Pub of the Year 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024, as well as East Midlands Pub of the Year 2019. On a fine day the large outside terrace overlooking the river is very nice and we would highly recommend. Pharmacie Arms - Syston This pub features Shipstone's Mild on the bar and is also offering guest Milds throughout May as part of CAMRA's Mild Month. There's a lovely outdoor area with tables where you can sit and enjoy your drink. With its 1950s pharmacy theme, including medical artefacts, adverts, and even a skeleton in a dentist's chair, it's a quirky spot with live music every Saturday night. Southampton Arms - Kentish Town, London 11 Southampton Arms - Kentish Town, London Credit: CAMRA This small independent pub in Kentish Town has a total of fourteen handpumps serving almost equal amounts of ciders and beers from microbreweries across the UK. It has a lot of great traditional elements for example they play music on vinyl and the piano is in frequent use. It was the Local CAMRA Pub and Cider Pub of the Year 2024 and is currently featuring a Kent – Born to be Mild drink for punters to enjoy. Blackfriars Tavern - Great Yarmouth This independent pub was named Local CAMRA Pub of the Year and Regional Cider Pub of the Year 2024. It offers over 20 locally sourced real ciders, Mr Winter's Caramel Mild, and more than 100 bottled Belgian beers. Family, dog, and cyclist-friendly, it's the perfect spot to visit with loved ones this summer. Full list of CAMRA's top 20 pubs for mild beer Antwerp Arms - Tottenham, London Blackfriars Tavern - Great Yarmouth Chapter Arts Centre - Cardiff Dirty Duck Ale House - Holywood Drummer's Arms - Blackburn Duke of Wellington - Norwich George Inn - Portsmouth Grapevine - Exmouth Half Moon - Hitchin New Inn - Colchester New Plough Inn - Hinckley, Leicestershire Ostrich - Prestwich Pharmacie Arms - Syston Puckersley Inn - Royton Southampton Arms - Kentish Town, London The Cricketers Arms - Saint Helens The Smithfield - Derby Victoria - Walsall White Lion - Hampton in Arden Woolly Sheep - Skipton Grapevine - Exmouth 11 Grapevine - Exmouth Credit: CAMRA This great pub in Exmouth, have their beer supplied almost entirely by their own brewery on site. They always have at least three cask Ales on selection at any time and currently they are serving Crossed Anchors – Workmans Mild on draught. There is live music every Saturday and their rear garden patio is perfect to sit outside in during these next few months to sample their fantastic beer. Victoria - Walsall This two-roomed pub dating from 1845 is very close to the town centre and for the hot months ahead has a pleasant garden and smoking facilities at the rear. Open mic and quiz nights are held there regularly, and they have a pool table upstairs that'll keep you in there for hours. The pub currently has Church End – Gravediggers Mild on tap and is a great venue to visit when in the area. Duke of Wellington - Norwich 11 Duke of Wellington - Norwich Credit: CAMRA Friendly pub with a changing range of guest ales that are served alongside the permanent beers (mainly from Wolf brewery). Wolf in Sheep's Clothing is their latest offering of mild on draught. The attractive enclosed rear garden/patio area hosts a beer festival in late August, and regular barbecues at weekends in summer, making it an ideal spot for the coming months ahead. Dirty Duck Ale House - Holywood Perched near Belfast Lough, the Dirty Duck Ale House is a cosy haven. It boats three real ales, largely drawn from national and local brands and also has a great beer garden that is fantastic once the sun comes out. They also have a nook celebrating local golfing hero Rory McIlroy and are a two-time former local CAMRA Pub of the Year. George Inn - Portsmouth 11 George Inn - Portsmouth Credit: CAMRA Another pub with an interesting story, the George Inn was formerly a tram stop on the Portsdown and Horndean Light Railway. The pub offers extensive views over the city from their patio garden overlooking Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight. Serving cask ale and milds this summer, CAMRA would highly recommend. Chapter Arts Centre - Cardiff This former school turned arts venue is the perfect spot in Cardiff to find a great selection of cask beer. The guest beers are sourced from across the UK, and usually include small independents, supplemented by a local ale. They currently sell Brains – Dark Mild and it is a family friendly pub which features a community garden for you to sit in to enjoy this tasty beverage. White Lion - Hampton in Arden 11 White Lion - Hampton in Arden Offering a real high quality and quantity of cask beers, the White Lion in Warwickshire is a traditional country pub that is well worth its great reputation. Currently serving a Timothy Taylor – Golden Best Mild, the pub looks to rotate two of its regular beers every five to six months. There is a pub garden out the back and is a great pub at this time of year. Half Moon - Hitchin Friendly and welcoming one-bar pub dating from the 18th century. Nine ever-changing guest ales ensure that a variety of beer styles is available always. A former local CAMRA Pub of the Year and current Cider Pub of the Year, it is an excellent spot for a drink in the sun. New Inn - Colchester 11 New Inn - Colchester Credit: CAMRA A rare example of a two-bar pub. With a quiet, comfortable saloon bar and an open public bar featuring music, TV sports, and friendly conversation, this is a venue of two halves. The garden comes to life in the summer and with a great selection of cask beer available, we highly recommend this place. Antwerp Arms - Tottenham, London This CAMRA favourite community-owned pub is a must-visit, especially in the summer. The Georgian building, complete with a beer garden, is Tottenham's oldest working pub and has been serving the neighbourhood since 1822. It was saved from demolition in 2013 thanks to the efforts of the local community and CAMRA campaigners. Ostrich - Prestwich 11 Ostrich - Prestwich Credit: CAMRA Built over 300 years ago, this historic venue is a great Community pub with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The beer garden is an ideal place for families with children. Serving a Joseph Holt – Mild beer currently that will no doubt be a favourite amongst locals. Puckersley Inn - Royton The Purkersley Inn in Royton is another fantastic spot in Greater Manchester. It currently serves JW Lees Mild, a popular choice among visitors. This detached pub also offers stunning panoramic views over Royton, Shaw, and Oldham from its dining room and spacious beer garden. Drummer's Arms - Blackburn 11 Drummer's Arms - Blackburn Credit: CAMRA This pub regularly serves Three B's - Stoker's Slake Mild and is full of historic charm, with walls covered in breweriana and old pub signs. The bar offers a wide range of beer styles, from stouts to hoppy bitters, ensuring there's something for everyone. At the front, there's a cosy terrace with upcycled drum tables, perfect for enjoying a drink outdoors. Woolly Sheep - Skipton The highlight of this pub in summer is its traditional cobbled courtyard. It features decking with comfortable seating and a canopy, creating the perfect spot to relax. Here, you can enjoy a pint of Timothy Taylor Dark Mild at the bottom of Skipton High Street.
