READING and Mid-Berskhire’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale has announced its pubs of the year, with two pubs in Reading winning big.
Every year, CAMRA awards pubs and clubs prestigious titles in three categories, with Pub of the Year, Cider Pub of the Year, and Club of the Year.
This year, the Alehouse has been awarded the Cider Pub of the Year, given to the pub which best promotes and encourages the sale of quality ciders and perries.
The Alehouse made it through the first stage of judging, and will now be eligible for the super-regional judging stage, where it could be in the running for the national award, announced later this year.
It beat out regional finalists the Castle Tap, and the Nags Head, both of Reading, and The Bell, in Waltham St Lawrence.
The judging for the cider category considers the quality of cider and perry at the venue, the promotion and knowledge of the product, atmosphere and style, service, and community focus.
The Retreat was also given recognition, taking runner up in the Pub of the Year category.
While it was pipped by The Bell in Waltham St Lawrence, it fought off stiff competition from The Alehouse, The Allied Arms, The Three Guineas, and The Retreat, all also in Reading.
Sonning Golf Club was also awarded runner-up for the Club of the Year, beating the Royal British Legion Club in Arborfield.
The award went instead to the Wargrave and District Snooker Club.
The Campaign for Real Ale works to survey pubs to provide guidance for good beer and pubs, as part of its Good Pub Guide.
It also works to support local breweries, as well as advocate for and protect existing pubs and venues, and organises the annual Reading Beer and Cider Festival as well as a number of other beer and ale festivals.
