CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has launched its Pub Design Awards 2014 in a quest to find the most stunningly designed pubs in the UK. The awards, held in association with English Heritage and the Victorian Society, recognise high standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs, and the construction of new ones.
Best pub interiors and exteriors
“Whether it’s a converted theatre or a Victorian Coaching House, we are looking to discover the best pub interiors and exteriors that Great Britain has to offer. The CAMRA Pub Design Awards competition is open to all pubs in the UK, and buildings can be nominated by their owners, landlords, local CAMRA branch members, or anybody else that thinks the pub deserves to win.” Sean Murphy, organiser of CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards, adding, “entrants should bear in mind that they may be required to provide additional photographs and plans of the building during the judging process, so the pub licensee should always be made aware of, and approve of, the entry.”
Last year’s winners included a diverse range of pubs, from the Hall & Woodhouse in Portishead – a striking new build set in the marina and made from interconnected shipping containers – to the beautifully restored and converted York Tap, built inside the old model railway museum on a York’s train station.
The competition includes five categories:
New Build category: This category is for entirely new built pubs. The judges look for a number of details when judging the worth of any new establishment. The pub might reflect pubs of the past but without becoming a mere pastiche of Edwardian, Victorian or even Georgian artefacts. Or it could be completely modern, using materials of the 20th or 21st century.
Refurbishment category: Refurbishment can range from a complete gutting and replacement to an enhancement of what was originally there. Refurbishment should suit the individual pub and not be an excuse to use uniform furnishings to brand the pub with brewery or pub companies image.
Conversion to Pub Use category: This is where an existing building is converted to pub use. Pubs are judged on the taste and restraint used on both the outside and inside of the pub.
CAMRA/English Heritage Conservation award: This award, sponsored by English Heritage, is usually given for work which conserves what is good in the pub to ensure its future for generations of customers.
Joe Goodwin Award Category – named after the late CAMRA chair Joe Goodwin – is reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner locals.
To enter the competition click here