Billingham Catholic Club in Billingham, County Durham scoops national award
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has awarded Billingham Catholic Club in Billingham the Club of the Year 2025 title.
Run in partnership with Club Mirror, the award recognises the best social clubs in the UK. Clubs are judged on their atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and, most importantly, the quality of their cask beer and real cider and perry.
The former Roman Catholic school has featured in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for almost two decades, which is an incredible achievement. Its dedicated volunteers make sure the club’s reputation remains at the top of its game, serving 150 different beers a year, offering three well-kept cask beers at one time – with eight on offer during the club’s regular bank holiday beer and music festivals.
Renowned locally for its vibrant R’n’B and rock scene, the quaint Victorian mansion has been significantly refurbished over the years. Featuring a separate function room, a beer garden covering a quarter of an acre of land with a decking area, marquee, stage and three handpulls available on its outdoor bar.
Reacting to the win, Bar Manager Sean Rowbottom; Events Coordinator and Licensee Lisa Moody and Cellarman Tony Hill said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to win the CAMRA Club of the Year. We always hoped we might have been in with a chance, but never thought we would win, especially with the other three great clubs in the final. Our little club in the North East of England is a lot of things to a lot of different people and this award is for us all.”
Phil Gregg, CAMRA Club of the Year Coordinator said:
“The competition saw well over 100 entries across the country, from Scotland to Cornwall, with the final being the closest I have known for a number of years. A testament of the exceptionally high standard and diversity of social clubs across the UK. Billingham’s commitment to community and quality cask beer and real cider and perry makes the team a very worthy winner. Make sure to visit this cracking club and raise a pint to the team’s success! Social clubs are amazing venues, and I would urge everyone to visit their local to experience these welcoming spaces for yourself.”
Kevin Keaveny, CAMRA Regional Director for Yorkshire said:
“Lisa, Sean and Tony have done a fantastic job making Billingham Catholic Club a welcoming space for CAMRA members, groups and the wider community. Their commitment to serving 150 beers a year showcases the many independent brewers the industry has to offer. Cheers to the dedicated volunteers that has made the club such a vibrant welcoming space and an award-winning club.”
Notes to editors
Photos of Billingham Catholic Club here.
Billingham Catholic Club’s award presentation is on Saturday 31 January at 1pm. To attend, please contact press@camra.org.uk
About Club Mirror
Club Mirror has been an integral part of the club industry for more than 50 years. It is the exclusive mouthpiece for the independent club sector, from sports, social, political and community clubs.
Other Club of the Year 2025 finalists:
Appleton Thorn Village Hall, Cheshire
Previously an old school, the building dates back to the 1880s and was converted into a club in 1978 when a group of villagers voiced a need for a central meeting place in the village. It is now the heart of the Appleton community. The club has won overall Club of the Year four times and boasts a wide range of cask beers from independent brewers, plus real ciders and perries.
Cheltenham Motor Club, Gloucestershire
Formed in 1906, this friendly and welcoming club has won the overall Club of the Year three times. The bar is decorated with motoring paraphernalia and has six cask beers with at least one cider plus a range of bottled Belgian beers. The club hosts local darts and pool teams plus an annual beer festival, along with regular “Meet the Brewer” and takeover evenings.
Orpington Liberal Club, London
Run by a committee of cask beer enthusiasts, the club has a particular focus on local brewers and microbreweries, with up to five cask beers available, including a stout or porter and a changing range of real ciders and perries. Live music is a key element of the club, hosting the Orpington Jazz Club. The club runs festivals twice per year and frequent "Meet the Brewer" evenings.
Photos of the CAMRA Club of the Year finalists here.
About CAMRA:
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a not-for-profit consumer group with over 147,000 members that has been operating since 1971. Our vision is to have quality cask beer and thriving pubs in every community.
Media Contact:
CAMRA Press Office:
01727 337863
