Awards
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR PUB AWARDS.
What does it take to win our pub awards and how do we make our choices? We all have different likes and dislikes, but, in judging for our pub awards, we try to be as objective as possible by looking at our real ale pubs from a number of angles. Our Pub of the Year (PotY) must do very well across all of these “angles”. It must be a pub that, when you visit it, you really do want to (and often do!) cancel plans to go elsewhere! Similarly, our Pub of the Season should do well across the board.
How good is the beer?
This doesn’t mean the beer is to your personal taste! How clear and fresh is the beer? How “drinkable” is it? To be considered as a CAMRA PotY the real ale must be very good all the time! Not surprisingly, this is the most important category in our assessment. Style, decor and cleanliness
Is the pub well looked after?
Is the décor in good condition? Is the style appropriate to the type of pub? Are the tables cleaned and empty glasses cleared quickly? How clean is the pub, glasses and toilets? Is it so good you’d love to move in? Our PotY should always be very well looked after!
How good is the service & welcome?
How polite, warm, welcoming is the service you receive? If you have a query, how well is it dealt with? How well does the staff know the real ales they serve? Our PotY should strive to provide excellent, friendly service.
How well does the pub serve its community?
Does the pub have a community focus? Is the pub inclusive and welcoming to all sectors of the community? Is there a good atmosphere?
How well does the pub support CAMRA, principles?
Are prices and opening hours clearly displayed? Do you get a full measure or a top up without asking? Is real ale promoted in a positive way? To be our PotY, the pub's support for CAMRA/real ale should be obvious to everyone who uses the pub!
What is the overall impression of the pub?
How enjoyable was your visit? How keen are you to visit again? Would you like to stay a lot longer?
Assessing Pubs
We have a (fairly fluid!) "team" of around 25 members who regularly visit pubs in our area. They use the above "angles" to assess pubs and this provides a list of potential pub award candidates. At branch meetings, potential candidates are considered and a shortlist of four or five pubs is agreed. These are emailed to branch members who have the final decision on the winner. The result of the ballot goes to the following branch meeting and arrangements are made to present the awards. Simple as that!
The biggest award the branch makes is the 'Pub of the Year'
The Branch Pub of the Year 2023 and 2024. Congratulation to Tom and Beki at he Drovers Rest Monkhill who received the well deserved award They have followed that success by being voted Cumbria CAMRA Pub of the year 2023
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Eden Area Pub of the Year 2023 -The Agricultural Hotel, Penrith
The Branch Pub of the Year 2020, 2021 and 2022 is - The Fell Bar,Penrith
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City Pub of the Year 2023 -Milbourne Arms
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City Pub of the Year 2022 -The Kings Head
FOX AND HOUNDS ARMATHWAITE 2024 SPRING PUB OF THE SEASON
Many congratulations to Steve Jackson and his team at the Fox & Pheasant for being voted spring pub of the season by our branch members. The Fox & Pheasant has a beautiful setting overlooking the River Eden in the stunning village of Armathwaite. This atmospheric 17th century pub was once a coaching inn. The main bar has a flagstone floor and inglenook fireplace which has a welcoming roaring fire on chilly days.The former stables have been converted into a bar and eating area. Original wooden beams, exposed stonework and stable stalls all add to the ambience.
THE BLACKSMITHS, TALKIN 2023-24 WINTER AUTUMN PUB OF THE SEASON
The Blacksmith's is a friendly pub with a reputation for good beer, excellent food and fine accommodation. The pub has been with the Jackson family for well over 20 years. It serves the local community and visitors alike as a popular meeting place.The Blacksmith's attracts visitors from far afield to enjoy the delights of the local area as well as the beer and food!
FELL BAR, PENRITH 2023 AUTUMN PUB OF THE SEASON
CUMBERLAND INN, ALSTON 2023 SUMMER PUB OF THE SEASON