CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has announced the four pubs in the final of their National Pub of the Year competition – one of which will be crowned the overall winner early next year.
The Freshfield in Formby (Merseyside), The Harewood Arms in Broadbottom (Greater Manchester) The Salutation Inn in Ham (Gloucestershire) and The Windmill in Sevenoaks Weald (Kent) (pictured above) have won their local and regional competitions before being selected as the final four from a list of sixteen regional winners.
Gary Chester, competition organiser: “Each of these four fantastic pubs are already winners in their own right and really are well worth a visit from any ale-lovers who find themselves in the area. They will now go forward to fight it out for the overall National Pub of the Year, which will be announced in February next year.”
The competition looks for a number of things in winning pubs – decor, atmosphere, value for money – but it is the quality of the beer that is always most important. In fact, last year’s winning landlord Steve Dilworth said at the time he believed it was his close relationship to the beer in his cellar that helped them win, saying “Talking to the barrels has finally paid off!”.
The Four Finalists
The Windmill
Kent Region
1 Windmill Road, Sevenoaks Weald, Sevenoaks, TN14 6PN
The Windmill offers an excellent selection of five to six top-notch ales, three Kentish ciders, and continental draught lagers, together with a comprehensive menu and basket meals (no food Sun eve). The homely interior features wooden settles, a log-burning stove, etched windows, porcelain and pub memorabilia, while a quiet, colourful garden is available for warmer times.
The Freshfield
Merseyside & Cheshire Region
1a Massams Lane, Freshfield, Formby, L37 7EU
A great example of a community local where the emphasis is on beer quality. A Greene King pub, it offers up to 14 ales including 10 guests. The pub also has a growing reputation for good food served in the restaurant. Following a successful CAMRA-led campaign, the stone floored area has been retained. Families are welcome and an enlightened management with engaging staff help to ensure a welcoming experience.
The Harewood Arms
Greater Manchester Region
2 Market Street, Broadbottom, SK14 6AX
Taken over in 2013, the Green Mill brewery has moved from Rochdale to the cellar of The Harewood Arms and the pub is now essentially a brewery tap. A range of continental bottled beers and a guest handpull cider complement the Green Mill beers. This large open-plan community pub is warmed by open fires, helping to create a friendly atmosphere. There is a pool table and elevated darts area to the rear.
The Salutation Inn
South West
Ham, Berkley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9QH
This rural gem is in the Severn Valley, within walking distance of the Jenner Museum, Berkley Castle and Deer Park. The enthusiastic landlord keeps an inspired selection of ales and eight real ciders and perries. The pub has two cosy bars with a log fire and a skittles alley.
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