CAMRA names Kent club best in the UK again

Marden Village Club in Kent has been named as the best social club in the UK by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for the second year in a row, winning the National Club of the Year 2023 award.  

CAMRA’s Club of the Year competition is run in conjunction with Club Mirror magazine with the aim of finding the best clubs with the greatest commitment to quality real ale – those which offer a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and most importantly, top quality real ale served in great condition. Running since 1987, the National Club of the Year title is the highest honour the Campaign can bestow upon a club. 

Marden Village Club, which also won the prestigious accolade in 2022, was completely renovated in 2017 to produce a light, airy, and friendly atmosphere. This Grade II listed community hub boasts six real ales generally from local microbreweries and a snooker and darts teams for its members. Many members are involved in these teams; others simply enjoy the friendly ambiance and watch live football and rugby on the sports TV.   

Upon winning the prize twice in consecutive years, Marden Village Club steward Simon Banfield said: “To receive this prestigious award is simply amazing, and it just highlights the outstanding performance of the whole team at Marden village club, from all the staff and committee team, and the continued support from our excellent members. To have been given this award in 2022 and now to have received it again in 2023 is amazing.” 

Ian Clennett, Chairman, Maidstone & Mid Kent CAMRA, said: “Congratulations to Simon and the team at Marden Village Club for once again being awarded the CAMRA Club of the Year after last year’s well-deserved success. We always look forward to our visits here as a branch as we’re assured of a warm welcome, a great range of top-notch beers at sensible prices, and a memorable time with both club regulars and local CAMRA members.”   

CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “This achievement is an incredible feat for the club, to win the award two years on the trot is testament to the hard work of the staff and the dedication of its members. Clubs are a vital part of UK culture and deserve to be celebrated each year alongside pubs. It is essential that people continue to visit their local clubs and of course, bring a friend!”  

Clubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and most importantly – quality of beer. Runners-up include the Cheltenham Motor Club in Cheltenham, Dobcross Band Social Club in Greater Manchester and Parwich Royal British Legion Club in East Midlands.  

CAMRA campaigns to protect and promote clubs, which are important community assets that promote the social wellbeing of their local area. 

The Marden Village Club will be presented with an award for its achievement at an event open to the press on 27 January at 1pm.  

Ends 

Notes to editors

Marden Village Club contact details:  

Email: office@mardenvillageclub.co.uk   

Phone: (01622) 831427  

Runners up for the Club of the Year competition can be found here: https://camra.org.uk/press_release/camra-names-the-best-four-clubs-in-the-country-3/ 

More information about the Club of the Year award can be found here: https://camra.org.uk/what-we-do/club-of-the-year/