Post by Frank Blades on Dec 2, 2008 14:06:29 GMT
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset wins CAMRA National Cider Pub of the Year 2008
CAMRA believes National Cider and Perry Month will show publicans and consumers alike that serving a diverse selection of real cider and perry produce is an important factor in the survival of the Great British pub.
Having won the National Cider Pub of the Year 2008, the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers, Dorset is a perfect example of a pub that has thrived due to a great variety of locally-sourced produce, and a continual commitment to diversity. The pub finished runner-up in last year's award, and as one of only nine pubs in the UK having featured in all 36 editions of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, the pub is thriving due to its extensive array at the bar.
Like other successful pubs in the UK, the Square and Compass boasts a rich family history, with many features of its 200 year reign remaining intact. One CAMRA judge found it to be “a characterful pub with beautiful vistas over the channel and an excellent array of cider and perry.”
Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA's Cider and Perry Committee, said: ‘It is of little coincidence how a pub that has such a fantastic array of local cider and perries, and a rich family history, has won so many industry accolades. The pub is quite simply a true success story among discerning pub-goers, and a beacon of light in a time where pub closures continually blight the media landscape.'
Other finalists for the National award were the Valley Bar in Scarborough, Coopers Tavern in Burton upon Trent, and the Odd One Out in Colchester. The Valley was described by judges as a “shining example of a pub that outdoes others in the area by going out of their way to serve cider and perry in an area not renowned for its production.” Coopers Tavern meanwhile won many plaudits for being a classic 19th century free house with real ciders and perries consistently available, whilst the Odd One Out truly personifies its title, with up to four ciders served from casks at any one time, five ever-changing guest ales, and a popular card school, which takes place in the back room.
Briers continues: ‘These pubs are really setting the benchmark by showing others how to attract customers. The Square and Compass in particular has won acclaim for its own ciders, and while we at CAMRA are not about to suggest every pub must learn the art of cider production, it is great to see how some pubs have found their unique selling points, and have thrived in the process.'
Where to try real cider and perry in October -
CAMRA has begun its objective to encourage more consumers to get active and involved in National Cider and Perry Month by creating a small compilation of the UK's leading cider pubs. These CAMRA recommendations are testament to the outstanding contribution by publicans in supplying the most diverse produce to the consumer. The pubs will be available to view at www.camra.org.uk/cider from October 1st, coupled with some unmissable CAMRA cider events occurring throughout the month.
A full list of CAMRA festivals can be viewed at www.camra.org.uk/festivals, with the below a select few taking place in October -
Scotland
9-11 Oct (Thu-Sat) 9th Ayrshire Real Ale Festival- Good selection of cider and perries
Contact - douglasgraham26@aol.com
Yorkshire
2-4 Oct (Thu-Sat) Huddersfield Oktoberfest Beer & Cider Festival
Contact - Bob Tomlinson, 01484 342420
Nottinghamshire
9-11 Oct (Thu-Sat) 9th North Notts Beer & Cider Festival
Contact - Terry Johnson, 07941 672949
Central England
8-11 Oct (Wed-Sat) 31st Bedford Beer & Cider Festival
Contact - John Martin, 01234 822698
Greater London
9-11 Oct (Thu-Sat) 15th Croydon & Sutton Real Ale & Cider Festival
www.croydoncamra.org.uk
Kent
17-18 Oct (Fri-Sat) Inaugural Thanet Cider Festival
Contact- Debbie Aris, 01843 591731
CAMRA believes National Cider and Perry Month will show publicans and consumers alike that serving a diverse selection of real cider and perry produce is an important factor in the survival of the Great British pub.
Having won the National Cider Pub of the Year 2008, the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers, Dorset is a perfect example of a pub that has thrived due to a great variety of locally-sourced produce, and a continual commitment to diversity. The pub finished runner-up in last year's award, and as one of only nine pubs in the UK having featured in all 36 editions of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, the pub is thriving due to its extensive array at the bar.
Like other successful pubs in the UK, the Square and Compass boasts a rich family history, with many features of its 200 year reign remaining intact. One CAMRA judge found it to be “a characterful pub with beautiful vistas over the channel and an excellent array of cider and perry.”
Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA's Cider and Perry Committee, said: ‘It is of little coincidence how a pub that has such a fantastic array of local cider and perries, and a rich family history, has won so many industry accolades. The pub is quite simply a true success story among discerning pub-goers, and a beacon of light in a time where pub closures continually blight the media landscape.'
Other finalists for the National award were the Valley Bar in Scarborough, Coopers Tavern in Burton upon Trent, and the Odd One Out in Colchester. The Valley was described by judges as a “shining example of a pub that outdoes others in the area by going out of their way to serve cider and perry in an area not renowned for its production.” Coopers Tavern meanwhile won many plaudits for being a classic 19th century free house with real ciders and perries consistently available, whilst the Odd One Out truly personifies its title, with up to four ciders served from casks at any one time, five ever-changing guest ales, and a popular card school, which takes place in the back room.
Briers continues: ‘These pubs are really setting the benchmark by showing others how to attract customers. The Square and Compass in particular has won acclaim for its own ciders, and while we at CAMRA are not about to suggest every pub must learn the art of cider production, it is great to see how some pubs have found their unique selling points, and have thrived in the process.'
Where to try real cider and perry in October -
CAMRA has begun its objective to encourage more consumers to get active and involved in National Cider and Perry Month by creating a small compilation of the UK's leading cider pubs. These CAMRA recommendations are testament to the outstanding contribution by publicans in supplying the most diverse produce to the consumer. The pubs will be available to view at www.camra.org.uk/cider from October 1st, coupled with some unmissable CAMRA cider events occurring throughout the month.
A full list of CAMRA festivals can be viewed at www.camra.org.uk/festivals, with the below a select few taking place in October -
Scotland
9-11 Oct (Thu-Sat) 9th Ayrshire Real Ale Festival- Good selection of cider and perries
Contact - douglasgraham26@aol.com
Yorkshire
2-4 Oct (Thu-Sat) Huddersfield Oktoberfest Beer & Cider Festival
Contact - Bob Tomlinson, 01484 342420
Nottinghamshire
9-11 Oct (Thu-Sat) 9th North Notts Beer & Cider Festival
Contact - Terry Johnson, 07941 672949
Central England
8-11 Oct (Wed-Sat) 31st Bedford Beer & Cider Festival
Contact - John Martin, 01234 822698
Greater London
9-11 Oct (Thu-Sat) 15th Croydon & Sutton Real Ale & Cider Festival
www.croydoncamra.org.uk
Kent
17-18 Oct (Fri-Sat) Inaugural Thanet Cider Festival
Contact- Debbie Aris, 01843 591731