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Press Release

05/11/2019

Local Berkshire pub is among the top four in the country

For more information, contact press on 01727 337 863 or email press@camra.org.uk 

The Bell in Aldworth, Berkshire is one of the best in the country, as CAMRA reveals the final four pubs competing for its prestigious Pub of the Year award, to be announced in February 2020.

Having previously scooped the title nearly three decades ago, the Bell is a perennial gem which is the only pub with a heritage interior in Berkshire. Its name refers to bells which were part of the coat of arms of the traditional landowners. It’s large open garden and excellent beer attract walkers and drinkers from far and wide.

Other finalists in the competition include the Swan With Two Necks in Pendleton, the George & Dragon in Hudswell and the Red Lion in Preston, Hertfordshire.

Carl Griffin, CAMRA Regional Director said: “Congratulations to the Bell – a very deserving finalist in the prestigious Pub of the Year competition. We wish them luck as they enter the final round of judging, and hope they bring the crown to Berkshire this year!”

All of the pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers – never paid entries. They are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and quality of beer.

Each of the four finalists will be presented with their super regional award at local events over the coming weeks. The four finalists will then have a chance to win the National Pub of the Year title for 2019, which will be announced in February 2020.

 

The finalists (all images available here)

More about the winners

Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton, Lancashire

CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2014 and recipient of many other local and national awards. This is an outstanding and recently renovated traditional pub set in a pretty Pendleside village that’s deservedly popular with locals and visitors alike. Five constantly changing ales and one real cider are served and discounts are available for CAMRA members. Delicious home-cooked food is also served with many high quality specialised local dishes. There’s plenty of outdoor seating so you can watch the world go by in summer plus lovely open fires when the weather grows colder. The pub has a large car park and dogs on leads are welcome in the beer garden.

George & Dragon, Hudswell

At the heart of the village, this homely multi-roomed country inn was CAMRA National Pub of the Year for 2016 and has been Champion Pub of Yorkshire several times. A pleasant walk from Richmond (if you don’t mind the 300+ steps!) brings you to the pub’s large beer terrace with fantastic panoramic views over the Swale valley. Rescued by the community in 2010 and refurbished, it boasts its own library, shop, allotments and other community facilities as well as food and drink. Beers are mostly from Yorkshire breweries and a dark ale is always available, often Rudgate Ruby Mild. Open all day bank holidays.

Red Lion, Preston, Hertfordshire

This attractive free house stands on the village green and is the first community-owned pub in Great Britain. There is an ever-changing list of beers including many from small breweries. Ray and Jo prepare the fresh home-made food, sourcing their ingredients locally. The pub also hosts the village cricket teams and fundraises for charity.

Bell, Aldworth, Berkshire

A long-standing pub in CAMRA’s well-respected Good Beer Guide and a former national Pub of the Year winner, this perennial gem is the only pub with a heritage interior in Berkshire. Its name refers to bells which were part of the coat of arms of the traditional landowners. The large open garden and excellent beer attract walkers and drinkers from far and wide.

Media Contact:

CAMRA’s Press Office – press@camra.org.uk / 01727 337 863

Notes to Editors:

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a not-for-profit consumer group with over 191,000 members that has been operating since 1971. Our vision is to have quality real ale and thriving pubs in every community.

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