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Here are the friendliest, all-round best pubs in the UK, according to CAMRA
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has singled out the four best pubs in the country ahead of its 2017 Pub of the Year award.
The Weavers Real Ale House in Kidderminster was singled out for its welcoming ethos and first-rate service.
One of the most well-known pub awards in the UK, CAMRA’s team of experts comb the country year after year on the hunt for the UK’s best local boozer.
All of the pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and — most importantly – the quality of their beer
The four finalists — who will be presented with their super regional award at local events over the coming weeks —now have a chance to win the National Pub of the Year title for 2017, which will be announced in February 2018.
At the heart of CAMRA’s decision making is community spirit. Last year, the once shut-down George and Dragon in Hudswell, North Yorkshire, won Pub of the Year after locals banded together to form Hudswell Community Pub Ltd and spent two years reviving the old establishment.
National Pub of the Year Co-ordinator Andrea Briers said that, when it comes to identifying a true local, “a warm and welcoming atmonsphere, excellent service and a fantastic range of beers” are crucial
“While each of these pubs offers something unique to their visitors, they all share the foundation of what makes a great pub.”
Keep scrolling to meet the finalists of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2017 award.
Weavers Real Ale House, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
This micropub is deceptively spacious inside, with bench seating along the sides, plenty of tables and a conversational atmosphere, something that CAMRA holds as an absolute essential for any self-respecting pub
Gary Timmins, CAMRA regional director for the West Midlands, said the Weavers “has helped spur a real ale revival in pubs across the town.”
The judges liked the Weavers’ friendly, welcoming staff, sociable atmosphere and generous selection of ales and ciders, all of which have made the pub “a must-visit venue” for locals and tourists alike.
“Above all, the greatest credit is due to the bar team whose friendliness, knowledge and enthusiasm shine through whenever anybody enters, and help to make it into an outstanding pub.”
Owner Dean Cartwright took over the pub just two years ago, and said the team is “over the moon” to be on the shortlist after investing in the Weavers’ fresh new look
“While we’ve slightly modernised it and extended the beer range, we’ve also retained the quirky ‘front-room’ feel to the pub.
“It’s just amazing to be this far in the competition out of thousands of pubs across the country – it means a lot to know how much some people care about the pub.”
Stanford Arms, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Located in the heart of faded seaside town Lowestoft, The Stanford Arms was singled out for its newly refurbished L-shape bar, strong selection of local ales, and its idyllic courtyard garden featuring a woof-fired pizza oven and an aviary.
It’s piqued the interest of CAMRA judges in the past, making it into last year’s Pub of The Year finals, but owner David Burd said the team “weren’t sure if we’d get there again!”
“We strive to constantly improve and are currently moving it towards a good conversation pub by removing the jukebox and pool table. We’re also trying to support local breweries by sourcing an even larger range of beer styles.”
Andrea Briers, the local CAMRA regional director for East Anglia said: “This back-street local pub has up to 12 real ales and ciders available and is well worth a visit. Well done to David and Samantha on their success!”
Wigan Central, Wigan, Greater Manchester
The Wigan Central — nestled under the archways of Wigan North Western train station — is owned by the nearby Prospect Brewery but sources real ales from all over the UK and beyond, alongside continental bottled beers displayed in the bar’s own “beer library.”
Graham Donning, CAMRA’s regional director for Greater Manchester said the Wigan Central impressed the judges with “friendly service, condition of real ales and ciders, and the unique use of railway arrival and departure screens to give clear information about the beers on tap and in the cellar.”
“Wigan Central is a wonderful take on a modern bar nestling in a 19th century railway arch. It signals that imagination and attention to detail can make a themed pub a winner.”
The Wigan Central has been recognised for its drinks selection by CAMRA before, winning Wigan CAMRA Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
Commenting on the pubs inclusion in the shortlist, Prospect Brewery co-owner Patsy Slevin said her team were “humbled and frankly ecstatic” to make it into the final four, despite only opening three years ago.
“To be this far along in the competition is beyond our wildest dreams.”
Cricketers, St Helens, Merseyside
Owners Andy and Denise Evans bought The Cricketers in 2013, back when it was “boarded up and hadn’t actually sold cask ale since the 1980s.”
Since then, Evans has invested heavily in the venue, transforming it into a true local with that ever-south-after conversational atmosphere.
In less than five years, the couple have converted what was once a keg-only pub to a destination pub offering 13 cask beers of all styles — both local and from further afield — and over 10 ciders and perries.
The judges described the venue as a “friendly community pub” on the outskirts of St Helen’s town centre, hosting darts and pool tournaments, gigs and several beer festivals throughout the year.
The Cricketers picked up gongs in 2015 and 2016 as Merseyside’s Pub of the Year, but this is the first time the pub has made it to the nationals.
this saturday from 3pm is the presentation afternoon for the regional pub looking forward 2 having a drink with you all pic.twitter.com/lhkmfdX1yQ
— Cricketers arms (@CricksArmsWA10) September 27, 2017
“It’s a well deserved third time lucky for the Cricketers on reaching the final,” Nick Bosley, CAMRA’s regional director for Merseyside and Cheshire, said.
“On the principle that a pub is always a ‘work in progress’ they continue to make small changes to improve the pub.”
Owner Andy Evans said he also has plans to install a microbrewery next year.
“We are really proud to be part of the cask ale scene and would like to congratulate all the other pubs in the running – including our local rivals the Wigan Central! We hope to bring the accolade home to Merseyside this year.”