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2024-10-24	SHUT UP.
The UK's pub industry is at risk of widespread closures unless the chancellor extends business rates relief, as many landlords currently make only 12p profit per pint sold. David McDowall, CEO of Stonegate Group, warned that the removal of this relief could lead to a quadrupling of business rates for small pubs starting in April. This relief was introduced during the pandemic and has been critical for hospitality businesses facing challenges like high inflation and energy costs. McDowall and other industry representatives have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to extend the relief, highlighting the significant financial burden that would arise if it's removed - potentially costing the sector an additional £2.5 billion. They also called for reforms to the business rates system, which is based on the potential rental value of properties, asserting that high costs in prime locations threaten investment and employment in the industry.

2024-08-17	THE CROOKED DEVELOPER
CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) has marked the anniversary of the demolition of the Crooked House pub, Himley, by calling on the new Government to improve planning options for local councils. On the 5 August 2023, a fire destroyed much of the interior of the Crooked House pub, and under 48 hours later, the remaining structure of the building was demolished without planning permission. In 2017 planning laws were changed so that pubs in England could not be converted or demolished without planning permission. However, reports from CAMRA volunteers across the country show that many pubs continue to be demolished or converted without apparent planning permission. These include at least 10 in the six months in the run up to demolition of the Crooked House, and a further 29 in England since, which are currently being investigated by CAMRA. CAMRA's Pub Campaigns Director, Gary Timmins, said: "In the wake of this story last year, I wrote to the previous Housing and Planning Minister to let them know that the complete destruction of this iconic pub brought the nationwide scandal of the non-enforcement of pub protection legislation to the forefront of people’s minds. "In the year since we have supported the determined efforts of local campaigners to keep the story of the Crooked House alive. We met with Government ministers to lobby for the protection of pubs, and worked with West Midlands Combined Authority to encourage the statutory listing of other local pubs, in the hope that they receive the protection that the Crooked House deserved." Now with a new Government in place, the fight continues to ensure improvements to planning enforcement powers for councils. Marking the year anniversary of the unlawful demolition of the pub, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "The events at the Crooked House were a tragedy that captured the emotions of pub lovers across the UK. Yet the scandal of unlawful pub conversions and demolitions continues." "Over this last year, we have been tireless in our campaigning and our message that more protection is needed for pubs across the UK. It is vital that this new Government echoes this sentiment, and we see real change to policy to secure the future of our pub stock and cultural heritage."

2024-06-12	GOOD BEER GUIDE CELEBRATES THE UK'S FAVOURITE LOCALS
The Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide - the UK's best-selling beer and pub guide - is celebrating its 52nd edition with not one but two editions featuring two of the UK's favourite locals: Coronation Street's Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale's Woolpack. The Guide, which surveys 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker's guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation's pubs. The Good Beer Guide 2025 is available for pre-order now. The Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack represent the familiarity and community spirit of pubs across the UK. This edition of the Guide pays tribute to the communities that are beamed into homes, providing entertainment and companionship to those that may not have a local pub of their own. Research commissioned by CAMRA found that people who have a local rate themselves as significantly happier because of it, and have more close friends, and the pubs on television reflect this feeling. Some of Coronation Street's and Emmerdale's most iconic, touching and memorable moments have taken place in their respective pubs. The foreword of The Good Beer Guide 2025 will be written by BAFTA and multi award-winning Iain MacLeod, ITV's Executive Producer for Continuing Drama. MacLeod has been Coronation Street's Series Producer for the last 5 years taking the reins in December 2018. He kept the show on air during the Covid pandemic and throughout his tenure the serial drama has won multiple awards and accolades, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020. The representation of pubs on television is vital in a time when the trade is under significant pressure. CAMRA's pub closure statistics for 2023 show that 194 pubs were lost forever due to conversion or demolition, including venues like the Crooked House in Himley, and shocking 1,293 pubs closed their doors to their communities. CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "Working with ITV to celebrate the Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack is a great honour for CAMRA. The pubs and the soaps themselves reflect many of CAMRA's values, including the importance of community and the preservation of UK culture and traditions. "The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation's pubs open and thriving. I'd encourage everyone to use this year's Guide to visit the very best pubs across the UK and support them for generations to come."

2024-05-08	EVERY DOG HAS HAD ITS DAY.
James Watt, the CEO of Scottish beer company Brewdog, is stepping down from his role. He will transition to a new position as "captain and co-founder" and will retain his shares in the company. The role of CEO will be taken over by the current chief operating officer, James Arrow. Watt co-founded Brewdog in 2007 and the company now has breweries and pubs worldwide, with its headquarters remaining in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Despite its success, Brewdog and Watt's tenure have been marked by controversy, including criticism for its marketing campaigns, workplace culture, and allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Despite these challenges, Brewdog has seen significant growth, with its revenue reaching £321.2m in the 2022-23 financial year. The company also expanded into the Chinese market last year in a joint venture with Budweiser. As Watt steps back, the company aims to return to profit after three years of losses, driven by higher energy prices, supply chain disruption, and rapid expansion. The new CEO, James Arrow, and chairman Allan Leighton, will likely focus on preparing for a stock market float, which has been delayed due to poor market conditions and controversies surrounding the company. Watt plans to continue contributing to Brewdog and start new ventures of his own, while also spending more time on personal pursuits.

2024-05-06	CROOKS.
CAMRA has urged the Government to support a new law to stop another Crooked House scandal. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomes the newly proposed Heritage Pubs Bill in Parliament by Marco Longhi MP. CAMRA is urging the Government to throw its support behind a new law being proposed today (24 April) to better protect community pubs in the wake of the Crooked House scandal. The Heritage Pubs Bill is being presented to the House of Commons by Dudley South MP Marco Longhi and has been inspired by the purposeful destruction of the 18th century pub the Crooked House, in Himley, which was destroyed last August. This worldwide news story highlighted the drastic need for better planning enforcement laws to protect and save pubs around the UK. Gary Timmins, CAMRA's Pub and Club Campaigns Director said: "We welcome this proposal from Marco Longhi MP, the support he and West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, have provided for the protection of heritage pubs has been vital in helping to save the country's historic pubs. "After the tragic and deliberate destruction of the Crooked House, great work has been done to order the re-construction of the heritage pub. But this must never be allowed to happen again, and stronger planning enforcement laws must be implemented by the government to prohibit any more vital, historic pubs being lost again. "This is why CAMRA supports the Heritage Pubs Bill and why we are calling on the government to give its support to make sure this bill becomes law. We are also campaigning for the Scottish and Welsh Governments to significantly strengthen their planning laws so that demolition or conversion of a community local always requires planning permission."

2024-04-08	BREW YORK
Brew York are on an expansion trail. They have ambitious plans to add five outlet venues to their portfolio over the next few years and today have announced they have begun that process. They have acquired three new venues via an agreement with established operator, Market Town Taverns. The new venues are: The Mitre, Knaresborough, The Horse & Farrier, Otley, and The Coopers, Guiseley. The venues are due to be taken over in late April and will be serving Brew York beers as the main bar offer. They will also be introducing street food, as they do at their other venues. As part of the venue expansion programme, the existing four Brew York bars in York (Walmgate and Osbaldwick), Pocklington, and Leeds city centre have also had opening times extended with further enhancements planned. Brew York Managing Director, Wayne Smith adds "We've now developed four solid Brew York venues that all offer a dynamic craft beer experience and we've realised a key opportunity to further strengthen and grow the business in this area. The expansion project was possible thanks to advice and support from Fresh Thinking Advisory. Oliver Reece, managing director of Fresh Thinking Advisory, said: "Wayne and Lee bring a passion for craft beer and great customer service to Brew York. With new growth and working capital facilities in place, the business has the flexibility to move quickly when looking to secure new sites and drive the overall growth strategy." "It's great to be able to support the business and enable the next stage of their journey by helping the team find the right long-term funding partner."

2024-03-26	BEER NO MORE
Climate change is threatening the production of the British pint due to its impact on hop plants, which give beer its bitter taste. The hotter, drier conditions have led to a decrease in hop production and affected the flavor of beer. Researchers in Kent are working to combat this by isolating hop genes to produce more climate-change resilient varieties and more intense flavors that are becoming popular. The research is co-led by Dr. Helen Cockerton of the University of Kent, who is analyzing the genetic code of different hop varieties to find drought-resistant genes and genes that give beer added flavors. Dr. Cockerton is working with Dr. Klara Hajdu, a hop breeder with Wye Hops, to breed new varieties with these genes and test their growth in the field. The ultimate test will be producing beer from these experimental varieties. This project is part of a larger research initiative funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to future-proof UK food production against challenges such as climate change. The Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, expressed his support for such innovative projects. The research aims to preserve the culture of the British pint and prevent the need for beer importation. Without it, Danielle Whelan of the Shepherd Neame brewery warns, “the British pint is going to die off.”

2024-03-22	NO FESTIVAL OF BEER 2024
The Campaign for Real Ale's Great British Beer Festival is taking a year off in 2024 but will return in 2025 with a bang! Work is now underway by organisers and volunteers to explore a variety of options for the future - and the festival will return better than ever before. CAMRA's Events Director Catherine Tonry commented: "While we are understandably extremely disappointed CAMRA's flagship event will not take place next year, we are now looking at a range of options for its triumphant return in 2025. "It has been a difficult decision to make as it is the highlight of our calendar. Unfortunately, our current venue could not offer us the dates we needed. It is essential the Great British Beer Festival is the absolute best it can be for our valued volunteers, wider membership and customers." Ongoing building works could also affect CAMRA being able to host its flagship festival to the high standards customers and members have come to expect. Catherine added: "While other venues have been explored, due to timescales, costs and our requirements we have not being able to secure a suitable venue. While this was not a decision taken lightly, we will now look forward to the future and continue with plans for 2025, looking at a variety of options and venues." Work is also underway to look at plans for next year’s Champion Beer of Britain competition, which usually culminates at the national festival. This illustrious competition runs over a two-year period, thanks to the dedication of thousands of CAMRA members who vote across 12 beer styles each autumn.

2024-03-08	THE DUVEL IN THE DETAIL.
Belgian beer firm Duvel's production at four breweries has come to a halt due to a suspected ransomware attack, which occurred overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Initially, five production facilities were shut down, with one now back online. The company's IT systems detected the attack promptly, leading to the shutdown of servers at the affected sites. While one plant in Belgium has resumed operations, production at the remaining sites remains halted. Duvel, known for brands like Chouffe and Vedett, generated EUR583m in revenue in 2022, producing around 230 million litres of beer. It is unclear if the incident will affect product supply. The company confirmed the attack as ransomware, where hackers demand payment to prevent file blockage or leaks.

2024-03-04	REBUILD THE CROOKED HOUSE.
Reacting to the news that South Staffordshire Council have issued an enforcement notice, requiring the owners of the Crooked House, Himley to rebuild the pub brick-by-brick, Gary Timmins, CAMRA's Pub and Club Campaigns Director said: "The destruction of the Crooked House was a national tragedy, so it's fantastic news that the owners have been ordered to rebuild the pub brick-by-brick. This is exactly what we were hoping to hear from South Staffordshire Council, and it's a testament to the hard work of all the dedicated campaigners who stepped up and fought for the Crooked House. "It has also been great to see Marco Longhi MP and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street champion this cause. It's now vital that systematic change happens, to ensure that the Crooked House is the last time we see such a shocking loss. Unfortunately, CAMRA is still investigating eight from 2023 where pubs appear to have been demolished or converted without apparent planning permission. We're calling for Government to bolster planning policy so that unscrupulous developers know they will face action if they breach the law."

2024-03-03	CALL FOR CHANCELLOR TO ACT
Figures collected by CAMRA's grassroots campaigners across Great Britain reveal how dramatically the loss of pubs is making communities across the country poorer, showing the true value of these community hubs. CAMRA's pub closure statistics for 2023 published today show that: - 194 pubs were lost forever due to conversion or demolition, including venues like the Crooked House in Himley. - A shocking 1,293 pubs closed their doors to their communities. As the Spring Budget approaches, and as Local Authorities struggle to fund services, the true financial impact of pub closures is made stark as 2023 losses are counted. Having weathered the storm of the pandemic, a cost of business crisis and ongoing financial shocks, the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) report that 3 in 4 pubs were not profitable in 2023. Meanwhile, those that did not make it through the year represent as much as GBP100m lost to local economies, almost 20,000 jobs, and a staggering 64m fewer pints sold. The Campaign has called for the Government to introduce a package of measures in response. CAMRA's Pub and Club Campaigns Director, Gary Timmins, said: "Communities up and down the country are not simply facing the loss of pubs, but also the jobs, investment, opportunities, and social spaces those pubs create. It's easy to get caught up in the nostalgic idea of the pub as a British institution, but the positive impacts they have on people's lives is very concrete. "Government inaction is putting tens of thousands of businesses on the line, and it's vital that the upcoming Spring Budget provides a 20% draught duty relief, the removal of unnecessary red tape that currently prevents the sale of takeaway pints, and a VAT cut for hospitality. "Pubs, social clubs, brewers, cider makers and consumers urgently need cohesive leadership from the Government, not just piecemeal policy changes, and I hope these shocking figures are a catalyst for that shift."

2024-02-17	ALCOHOL FREE BEER.
The rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beer has led breweries to innovate in order to mimic the taste of traditional beer while removing alcohol. Techniques include arrested fermentation, where yeast is removed or halted, and vacuum distillation, which retains flavour while removing alcohol. Some breweries, like Firebrand and Impossibrew, manipulate ingredients and temperatures to achieve flavour, while others, like Heineken, use vacuum distillation and add lost flavours afterward. Lucky Saint adheres to German purity laws but invests in vacuum distillation for flavour preservation. Specialized yeast strains are also being developed to enhance flavour without alcohol. Some brewers, like Athletic Brewing Company, are more minded to keep their methods secret. Mintel predicts further growth in the sector, with brands potentially adding vitamins, relaxing ingredients, protein, and electrolytes for health benefits.

2024-01-31	DRY JANUARY
The British Beer and Pub Association has released the findings of a survey suggesting that a record one in five drinkers participated in Dry January, abstaining from alcohol for the month. Charity Alcohol Change UK reported that users of its app to track abstaining saved an average of £118. Consequently, pubs experienced a drop in drink sales during January, while the prices of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks are rising faster than alcoholic ones. Approximately 8.5 million people planned to go alcohol-free in January, according to Alcohol Change UK. Despite the financial benefits for individuals, the hospitality industry is feeling the impact of reduced drink sales. Pubs are urged to diversify their offerings beyond alcoholic beverages to adapt to changing consumer preferences. The popularity of non-alcoholic alternatives is increasing, with 85% of pubs now serving alcohol-free beers. However, the prices of these alternatives are rising faster than alcoholic drinks, potentially due to production costs and economies of scale. The emergence of alcohol-free bars, like Torstig, where mocktails can be as expensive as their alcoholic counterparts, is a new phenomena. Customers are willing to pay for the experience of enjoying drinks without the negative effects of alcohol. Overall, Dry January participants are not only saving money but also experiencing personal benefits such as improved mental health and confidence. Many are considering continuing their alcohol-free lifestyle beyond January.

2024-01-25	COVENTRY BEER FESITVAL 2024
We are contacting local CAMRA members to alert them there will not be a Coventry Beer Festival in Spring. It was our intention to hold the event as usual in March and we had started discussions relating to budgetary issues prior to detailed planning for the event. Sadly, our Treasurer, who played a pivotal role in the planning and operation of the festival died suddenly and unexpectedly before detailed planning could get underway. This left a major gap in our capabilities and led to a delay in our planning whilst a replacement for the role was found. Unfortunately, this delay meant that we could not meet the timescales required in the planning process to ensure that everything would be ready in time for the planned date of the festival. Therefore, and with deep regret we have decided that we could not proceed with the festival at this time. We fully intend to hold a festival as soon as it is practicable, although the financial viability might be uncertain in the present economic climate. We will circulate further information as soon as it becomes available.

2024-01-19	BEST PUB UK REVEALED.
The Tamworth Tap in the eponymous town has completed a remarkable double by winning CAMRA's National Pub of the Year 2023 for the second year on the trot. The Tap is an impressive brewpub located in a 16th-century shop, falling within the shadow of Tamworth's Norman castle. It enthralled judges to become just the second pub to win the prize two years in a row, following the Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, which achieved the feat in 2008 and 2009. The pub is an elegant building, home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap. The cosy upstairs rooms have Tudor features, the courtyard beer terrace to the rear offers views of Tamworth Castle, and there is cafe-style seating to the front. Eight handpulls usually feature one Tamworth ale, the rest from near and far. Various snacks are offered, plus a wide range of ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers. A CAMRA corner at the bottom of the stairs includes a rare, complete set of the?Good Beer Guide. Themed events regularly take place in this bustling brewpub, including paint-and-sip sessions, film screenings and its newly introduced Barrel of Laughs comedy nights. The courtyard features regular live music with local performers and its weekly Sunday Session. It also hosts events such as bat-watch evenings, beer tastings, an annual Wassailing ceremony and supports a wide range of community initiatives across the town. The in-house Tap Times lists local happenings and forthcoming events. The judges said: "It is an excellent example of a pub at the centre of its community that supports a wide variety of diverse local activity groups, with knowledgeable, helpful staff to help you find a real ale or cider to suit your taste. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to returning at some time in the future." On receiving the news, George and Louise Greenaway said: "Words really can't express how we feel right now. It took a while for the magnitude of the occasion to sink in when we won last year; to have retained it is beyond incredible! We vowed to continue to evolve, with the aim of providing the ultimate drinking experience to everyone who walks through our door. "We aren't just a pub; we are a hub of the community, and we aim to bring people together. That and the perfect pint is what it's all about. Thank you to all at CAMRA, from branch to national level, for recognising what the Tap stands for. A huge thank you also to Team Tap for delivering our vision with such passion, commitment and enthusiasm - we share this recognition with you. And, to our beloved Tappers, we have such a special place because of you. Thank you for supporting us in all we do." CAMRA awards director Laura Emson said: "The Tamworth Tap should be incredibly proud of this feat, to be named the best pub in the UK two times on the trot is a remarkable achievement. The pub encapsulates everything that CAMRA aims to promote and protect, and each member of the team deserves the recognition twice over! "A pub doesn't have to be a national award winner to be a vital part of a local community and following a tough few years for the industry, our support is needed more than ever." John Rowling, pubs officer for CAMRA's Lichfield, Sutton & Tamworth branch, said: "What a sensational achievement! Just twelve months ago we were toasting the Tamworth Tap being crowned CAMRA National Pub of the Year for 2022. At the time, the owners, staff and customers were absolutely overjoyed and brimming with pride at the Tap's success. Now here we are again with the Tamworth Tap winning CAMRA National Pub of the Year for a second time in consecutive years. "The success has been built on continuous hard work, dedication and attention to detail to make the Tap a splendid community asset. Congratulations to George, Louise and the team for another tremendous accolade." Pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer. Runners-up in the competition were the Nelson Arms, Tonbridge; Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man; and the Beer Engine, Skipton.

2024-01-11	I Second That
The Belgian Brewer, a brewery from Bishop's Stortford is looking to open a second tap room off site. A goal of the business has always been to open a taproom/taprooms in other locations. With the challenges and actual profitability of the wholesale market in the current climate it has become very apparent how beneficial another site run by the business could be. The impetus is also to utilize the benefit of being able to properly promote their product and brand in another to expand their brewing runs to maintain full capacity. Nik Lemmens said this will "obviously ... require a lot of research and will take quite some time to achieve", but it is a goal he is actively setting in motion.

2023-11-10	PLAIN SPEAKING
Commenting on the King's Speech, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "It is disappointing that the Government's agenda for the coming parliamentary session makes no reference to supporting pubs, brewers, or the wider hospitality industry. "Earlier this year, in light of the tragic case of the Crooked House in Himley, CAMRA published data showing that potentially unlawful pub demolitions and conversions continue to take place. "The King's Speech was an opportunity for the Government to make a firm commitment to pub protection and announce legislation to bolster the planning enforcement tools available to local authorities to deter unscrupulous developers from flouting planning rules. "Unfortunately, we are still uncertain about whether the Government will act, and they have already ruled out making legislative changes to the Pubs Code, to better balance the relationship between pub companies and their tenants, and to improve consumer choice in the tied pub estate. "Looking ahead to the Autumn Statement, we hope that the Chancellor will take urgent action on energy supply and pricing issues, business rates relief and cutting red tape preventing draught takeaway sales from taking place. We urge anyone who agrees with us to email their MP using our simple e-lobbying tool at https://camra.e-activist.com/page/137207/action/1."

2023-11-08	MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Laws governing the relationship between pub owning businesses and the tied tenants who run those pubs won't be changed or improved, the Government announced yesterday. It comes as the Department for Business and Trade published its response to a statutory review of the Pubs Code for England and Wales - a set of rules governing the relationship between pub-owning businesses and their tied tenants. Consumer group CAMRA wanted to see changes to give tied pub tenants more choice over which beers they offer, including the right to a guest draught beer or cider from local and independent producers instead of having to buy a restricted range of stock at set prices from the pub-owning company. The Campaign for Real Ale also urged the Government to beef up the Pubs Code so that more publicans could benefit from protections and rights when it comes to the way they are treated by big pub-owning businesses. Without changes to make sure tied pub tenants are treated fairly and are able to turn a profit under their contracts, it is feared that more pubs will be forced to close and be lost to their communities. Instead of making improvements to the laws around pubs and tied tenants in response to changes to the industry in recent years, the Government decided not to act. "The lack of action to improve protections for pub tenants and to improve choice for consumers at the bar is deeply disappointing," said Nick Boley, CAMRA Campaigns Director. "Changing these laws to allow a better range of beers on offer from small, local and independent breweries would have increased choice for consumers. It's not fair that large pub-owning businesses can restrict landlords to buying certain beers often at above-market value and prevent them from supporting small, local breweries by offering these beers on tap. "CAMRA is also worried that the existing Pubs Code isn't meeting its key principles - that tied tenants should be no worse off than other publicans and that they can expect fair and lawful dealing from pub owning-businesses. Research carried out by CAMRA last year found that less than a quarter of tied tenants who responded said that they were treated fairly and lawfully, or that they were no worse off. "The Government needs to re-think this decision to do nothing and instead improve the Pubs Code so that we can see a thriving pub sector in England and Wales where the rights of pub tenants are protected, and consumers have a diversity of venues to choose from. Otherwise, the current corporate stranglehold will only tighten, and we risk seeing more pubs shutting their doors and being lost to our communities."

2023-10-11	A BAD TASTE.
Scientists have warned that climate change is affecting the quality and taste of beer, as well as its price. A study found that the quantity and bitter acids of European hops, which give beer its distinctive flavour, are declining due to hotter and drier conditions. The study predicts that by 2050, the bitter acids will reduce by up to 31%, and the area used to grow aroma hops will need to expand by 20% to compensate for the lower yield. Farmers are trying to adapt their growing practices, such as moving to higher altitudes or installing irrigation systems, but more investment is needed. Beer is a staple of European culture, with 8.5 billion pints sold in the UK alone in 2023. The craft beer industry has increased the demand for high-quality hops.

2023-10-10	LONDON CLOSING DOWN.
London has most pub closures in England, than anywhere else in England, a study by real estate analysts Altus Group has found. The capital lost 46 pubs, more pubs than any other region in England in the first half of 2023. Across the UK, 383 pubs shut down in the same period. Alex Probyn, president of property tax at Altus Group, warned that more pubs would disappear unless the chancellor extended business rates relief beyond spring 2024. He also said that the rising energy costs and inflation would add to the pressure on those remaining pubs. A government spokesperson has responded, saying that they were supporting hospitality businesses with 50% business rates relief, freezing alcohol duty rates and reducing employer national insurance. They also said that no national government could control the global factors affecting energy and other business costs. Wales lost the greatest number of pubs in the UK as a whole with 52 shutting down.

2023-10-08	PUBS REPORT
Commenting on the release of the Localis 'Inn-Valuable: unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation's pubs' report, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "Pubs, and social clubs, are the cornerstone of communities across the UK, and while the findings of this report will not be a surprise to pub-goers or licensees, they serve as a vital reminder to the Government of both the social and economic value of pubs as we look towards the Autumn Statement. "Licensees, brewers, and cider makers face an uncertain economic future as they don't know what their business rates or energy bills will look like in the next year. The Chancellor can start helping through the Autumn Statement by extending support schemes and getting rid of the red tape preventing licensees from selling draught beer and cider for consumers to take away and enjoy at home. "The Government must also show their commitment to the licensed trade by re-appointing a Pubs Minister - something that has been lacking from the Ministerial roster for a few years now and is rightly highlighted in this report."

2023-05-14	SUMMER OF PUB.
Pubs and breweries across the UK will be organising events over the summer months, whether it be an open mic night, ale trail, pub quiz or tap takeover, as part of CAMRA.s Summer of Pub. The past few years have presented an enormous challenge for the pub and brewing industry, as venues have faced skyrocketing energy and business costs. The Summer of Pub campaign aims to support and promote pub and club-going throughout the summer and there's plenty to celebrate. The start of the campaign coincided with the Coronation weekend and the extended licensing hours for venues in England and Wales, making it the perfect time to enjoy a pint of cask ale or real cider. CAMRA is calling on all consumers to take advantage of the summer to support their locals. Licensees can join the celebrations too, helping spread the word with a wide range of bespoke marketing materials available from the campaign's website free of charge. CAMRA is encouraging its network of over 150,000 members to get their local pubs involved in the campaign, and host events of their own. These can be submitted to CAMRA's Events platform, allowing beer and cider lovers to seek out pubs, clubs and taprooms that are running Summer of Pub events nearby. Commenting, CAMRA's Campaigns Director, Nick Boley said: "I think we're all looking forward to summer after a tough winter that has seen the pub trade, brewers, and consumers hit hard by parallel cost-of-living and cost-of-business crises. Start [the] Summer of Pub celebrations with a visit to the pub, to enjoy the community spirit that only a pint of real ale or cider down the local can bring. "Summer of Pub has much more to come, including celebration of the Women's Football World Cup, Better Transport Week run by partner organisation Campaign for Better Transport, and of course the publication of CAMRA's latest Good Beer Guide - which last year had a foreword contributed by King Charles III as the Prince of Wales. "I encourage everyone to head to their local this weekend and start their Summer of Pub!"

2023-05-05	ADMINISTRATIVE INCIDENT
Responding to the news that Black Sheep Brewery is to appoint administrators, CAMRA's Real Ale Cider and Perry Campaigns Director Gillian Hough said: "The fact that one of the UK's most recognisable independent family brewers has put out a notice to appoint administrators shows just how serious the cost-of-business crisis is for brewers and cider makers. Despite some support being available, CAMRA believes that Government simply hasn't done enough to ensure that brewers are not forced to close by events beyond their control. "Black Sheep is still actively brewing and producing beer, while their Board are?working hard to secure a sale of the business which will protect jobs and ensure they can continue to trade. "Imminent hikes in fixed costs like business rates and alcohol duty mean brewers and cider makers across the UK will be facing the same 'perfect storm' as the Yorkshire brewery. Black Sheep ales appear regularly at CAMRA events and their cask range is a much-loved sight at bars across the nation's pubs, so we hope a solution can be found which secures Black Sheep's future."

2023-04-16	BLACK SHEEP OF THE FAMILY.
Black Sheep, the North Yorkshire brewery and pub operator has appointed financial adviser Teneo to conduct a business review, including the possible sale of the company. Black Sheep said it is currently experiencing good sales volumes of its beers but is seeing a "significant constraint on funding in light of the prevailing economic conditions". The company said it is considering all options, including a merger or an acquisition of the company. It is not currently in talks with any potential offer and has not had an approach. The company said it has plans to further develop its core beers and new products to build on its brand in Yorkshire, the North and nationally. Chair and chief executive Charlene Lyons said: "We are pleased to have seen so many customers enjoying Black Sheep beers over the Easter bank holiday weekend, one of our busiest trading periods of the year. "However, we believe that now is the right time to conduct this strategic review to secure the best outcome for our valued shareholders and other stakeholders. "The brewery has exciting and ambitious plans for the future and interesting projects in the pipeline. Forward funding is an issue for many businesses in the tight market brought about by the after-effects of Covid-19 on the hospitality sector and this is exacerbated by the cost-of-living issues affecting consumer spending. "We are confident that the wider investment market will see the opportunities presented by this well-established and highly regarded brand."

2023-04-15	CLOSED FOR BUSINESS
Pub closures have soared in the first quarter of this year, and the trade's industry body says energy costs are to blame. British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warned the average energy bill for a pub would rise by £18,400 a year from this month with the Energy Bill Relief Scheme ending. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin (pictured) said: "Energy bills are decimating our sector with extortionate costs wiping out profits and closing pubs at a faster rate than the pandemic. "Pubs that were profitable and thriving before the energy crisis are being left with no option but to shut up shop. We have been raising the alarm for months that energy costs are posing an existential threat to pubs across the country and these figures are evidence of that. "It is essential that the government intervenes to ensure energy suppliers are offering the option of renegotiation to pubs locked into unmanageably high energy contracts. "Make no mistake, the longer this goes on the more pubs will be lost forever in communities across the country, something must be done immediately to save them." Analysis of official government data by the commercial real estate intelligence firm Altus Group shows the overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, dropped to 39,634 at the end of the first quarter to 31 March. More than 150 pubs have disappeared for good from English and Welsh communities over the first three months of 2023, according to new figures. The rate of pubs being demolished or redeveloped for other purposes has increased by almost 60 per cent at the start of the year as bumper energy bills have hammered the sector. It showed 153 pubs vanished for good compared to the 39,787 pubs recorded in England and Wales at the end of 2022. The 51 pubs a month reduction was up from a drop of 32 during the whole of 2022.

2023-03-17	BIG BUDGET'S HOUSE.
Yesterday, the Chancellor delivered the Spring Budget, and it was mixed news for the licensed trade. Against a backdrop of high inflation and energy costs, CAMRA members and concerned consumers have been busy lobbying their MPs by email about CAMRA's three-point plan for the Budget: (1) Setting the draught duty rate at 20 per cent lower than the general level (2) Restoring energy bill support to pubs, clubs and brewers (3) Action to address the unfair burden of business rates, such as introducing a lower multiplier for pubs, social clubs and their supply chain based on the social and community value that they provide for communities Beer and cider tax The big Budget announcement for brewers and cider makers was an increase in the draught duty discount for beer and cider, which is coming into force with the new alcohol tax system in August. This will mean that draught duty will be 9.2% lower than the general duty rate. CAMRA campaigned for years for the draught duty rate to be introduced, to incentivise drinking in pubs and social clubs, and recognise the social and community value that you don't from buying alcohol in supermarkets. The Chancellor also announced that general duty rates would be frozen until August, when they are then due to rise with inflation. That's good news in the interim, which might help minimise price increases at the bar for consumers. Energy costs and business rates Unfortunately, there was no additional support announced for energy costs, business rates or help in other areas such as a reduction in VAT. Support with energy bills is due to end in April, so pub and brewers are facing imminent hikes in their costs. We believe that pubs and social clubs will close because of this so, as consumers, we have to support them where we can at this make-or-break time for the licensed trade. Business rate relief schemes currently in place in England are due to end in 2024, so the Government needs to act soon. Pubs pay a grossly unfair portion of the total business rates bill, and proper reform is the only permanent fix to the issue. This will be a main focus for us when we launch our campaigning ahead of an expected Autumn fiscal event. We are also calling on the devolved administrations to do the same in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. How we have been reacting The second the Chancellor stands up to speak, our Campaigns and Communications Teams jump into action, sharing updates on social media, formulating our reaction press release and coordinating bespoke responses to journalists. Within moments of the Chancellor wrapping up, we were also in touch with the Treasury, confirming the announcements and sharing our initial thoughts on the announcements. You might also have picked up on joke the Chancellor made during the speech, about British ale being warm, but taxes being frozen - it might not surprise you to find out that we disagree with his characterisation, but we did take the opportunity to make light of the statement on social media, and take the chance to signpost to some our excellent introductory Learn and Discover content on beer dispense.

2023-03-01	DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES.
Women came together to brew a special beer at Salford's Strange Times Brewing which will be pouring at a celebratory event at Port Street Beer House on International Women's Day - 8 March (IWD). Manchester Crafty Beer Girls (MCBG), women from across the city's hospitality sector and others from further afield, joined hosts Strange Times to brew a hazy orange pale ale. Participants were up early to take part in the mashing in at the start of the brew and learnt about the water, malts, hops and yeast that were to go into the beer. MCBG is a social group for beer-loving and beer-curious women who have monthly meets in independent pubs, venues and taprooms across Greater Manchester. It was founded in 2022 by Francesca (Chess) Slattery after she moved to the city. She is a beer sommelier and judge, certified cicerone who has worked in the brewing industry for over eight years. Slattery says the aims of setting up the group are simple: "We just want to encourage other women to enjoy beer and offer a welcoming space for those who are curious but don't have any pals who share this interest. "Manchester has so many fantastic venues that champion great beer and we want to support that as much as we can," said Slatery. This was their first collaboration brewing, which was organised with Strange Times' head brewer Lauren Guy and Sarah Hyde of Rambling Beer Co, as part of the annual IWD brew day Unite celebrations. The beer has been named Boudica's Chariot and is described as tasting refreshing and zesty with biscuity notes and juicy sweetness. Claire Coster and Lorna-Jane Evans are keen home brewers with ambitions to open their own microbrewery one day. They read about the brew day in an online publication and travelled from Cumbria to join. Coster said: "It was an amazing opportunity to network with new people and to get hands on in the brewing process on a larger scale than we're used to with our home brewing. "We are still buzzing from the experience and we were made to feel so welcome by all. "Networking with like-minded women who are passionate about beer allowed us to share ideas, knowledge and experience, empowering us further to plan our own microbrewery journey within our local area. A massive thanks to all involved!" The International Women's Day beer showcase is on 8 March from 3pm, and a beer and pizza pairing takes place from 7pm. Tickets are available directly from Port Street Beer House or on Eventbrite Tickets Here

2023-02-26	NO FOOD AT THE INN
Many pubs have shut their kitchens due to the costs and are now drink only pubs. Some landlords are saying it has been the best decision they have made since coming out of the pandemic closures. The combination of higher energy costs, food prices and a difficulty finding and retaining staff contributed to the closure of kitchens.

2023-02-24	WEEKEND AWAY
It's now just two months until we welcome members to the renowned beer city of Sheffield for our Members' Weekend, AGM* & Conference. The weekend starts on Friday 21st April with our dedicated members' bar open and brewery tours taking place. On Saturday 22nd, the AGM & Conference take place, plus a series of presentations and sessions on subjects such as the true cost of beer, promoting cask ale and how to run a successful CAMRA branch. They also have a specialist Tutored Cider Tasting and more breweries to visit. On Sunday morning, the Conference continues. The weekend gives members the chance to socialise, contribute to CAMRA policy and discover some of the best pubs in the city.

2023-02-21	PANCAKE TUESDAY
Desert Flame Red IPA Pancakes Combine all of the ingredients below, whisk away, gently melt a little additional butter in a pan, and add your batter a ladle at a time. Flip once one side is completely done, wait another minute or so on a medium to low heat to do the other. 1 x 330ml Can of Siren Desert Flame Red IPA 125g Plain Flour 1 tsp Baking Powder 2 ½ tsp Sugar 1 Egg 25g Melted Butter Serve with : Maple syrup or Vanilla Ice Cream

2023-02-06	RUNNING OUT OF ENERGY.
CAMRA backs calls for investigation into energy companies' treatment of pubs. Commenting on the British Beer and Pub Association's request that the House of Commons Treasury Committee and Business Committee conduct an urgent inquiry into the energy sector and its treatment of pubs and breweries, CAMRA Chair Nik Antona said: "Huge increases in prices, fees and charges for pubs and breweries have effectively cancelled out the Government's help with bills for many businesses, putting the future of many of our much-loved locals at risk as they struggle to make ends meet. "Parliament and Government should urgently investigate any unfair treatment of businesses in the beer and pub sector by energy companies and take action to make sure that licensees and brewers know how much their energy bills are going to be each month. Those bills must be fair and without unreasonable extra fees, charges or up-front deposits added on. "Given that many businesses haven't had the reduced energy costs they were expecting as a result of this behaviour by energy companies, CAMRA is urging the Chancellor to use his Budget in March to announce more support with energy bills to help save the UK's world-renowned pubs and breweries. The Chancellor also needs to cut duty on beer and cider served in pubs by 20% and make the business rates system fairer if our locals are to survive this cost-of-doing-business crisis."

2023-01-17	TAPPING THE SOURCE
Tamworth Tap has been named the best pub in the country An impressive brewpub located in a 16th century shop front falling within the shadow of Tamworth's historic Norman castle has been named the best pub in the country in CAMRA's Pub of the Year competition. The Tamworth Tap in Tamworth is housed in an elegant building, with Tudor features in the cosy upstairs room and a historic courtyard beer terrace that offers striking views of Tamworth Castle. It went from empty premises to an iconic brewpub in less than five years, and today boasts eight handpulls, including at least one Tamworth ale brewed on site. A 'CAMRA corner' at the bottom of the stairs includes a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides. Themed events regularly take place in this bustling brewpub, include beer tastings and 'paint and sip' sessions. The courtyard features regular live music with local performers, bat watch evenings, and the occasional screening of cult films on a large screen. The in-house 'Tap Times' lists local happenings and forthcoming events. The judges described their visits as "an absolutely delightful experience" with knowledgeable staff, a friendly atmosphere, attractive decor, and great selection of cask ales and real ciders on offer. George and Louise Greenaway from the Tamworth Tap said: "We can't express how much this accolade means to us. CAMRA values have been at the core of everything we have done since we opened our doors, so we're absolutely thrilled to have won this year's competition! Pubs are its people, and we are surrounded by the best. We'd like to give a special mention to our amazing customers, affectionately known as 'Tappers', and to the truly terrific 'Team Tap' who make it all possible!" John Rowling, Pubs Officer with Lichfield Sutton & Tamworth CAMRA Branch said: "I'm absolutely elated at this fantastic news that the Tamworth Tap has won the coveted top award. For real ale drinkers, the Tamworth Tap is the jewel in Tamworth's crown. Since it opened five years ago, 'The Tap' has gone from strength to strength. There's always new offerings, changes and innovations every time you visit. It has beer brewed on the premises, fantastic, knowledgeable staff and comfortable old-world decor. Add to this an award-winning rustic outdoor drinking area overlooked by Tamworth Castle and you have a pub catering to all tastes. It's a friendly, welcoming venue serving ever-changing top quality real ales. To go from empty premises to this iconic brewpub in such a short time is real testament to the hard work put in by owners George, Louise and their staff. This top award is fully merited for a pub that espouses all the aims of CAMRA. "It is the pinnacle of achievements to be voted CAMRA's National Pub of the Year, so on behalf of the customers and the local branch I congratulate George and Louise on their tremendous success." Pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer. Runners-up in the competition are the Station House in Durham, the Horse & Jockey in Stapleford and the King's Head in Norwich. Awards Director Laura Emson said: "The Tamworth Tap shows what passion and creativity can achieve in a short space of time with great beer backing up a wide range of activities in a friendly atmosphere. "A pub doesn't have to be a national award winner to be a vital part of a local community and following a tough few years for the industry, our support is needed more than ever. Using CAMRA's WhatPub website you can find a new pub to try and meet with friends. Check out your local branch's social calendar for inspiration, and CAMRA members - don't forget to add your beer scores via WhatPub too!"

2022-11-15	DEYA VU
Deya from Cheltenham, has invested in 65 hectares of Welsh peatland in a bid to offset its emissions and reduce its carbon footprint.

2022-10-08	TOP CLUB
The best clubs across the UK have been announced as part of CAMRA's prestigious Club of the Year competition 2022. The 14 regional finalists will now have a chance to compete for the National Club of the Year crown, one of the highest accolades afforded to Britain's clubs. The competition has been on hold over the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions and was last won by Cheltenham Motor Club in 2019, which also won the award in 2013 and 2017. The Club of the Year competition is run in conjunction with Club Mirror magazine with the simple 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. The overall winner will be announced early in 2023. The regional announcement comes as CAMRA urges the Government to address the burgeoning energy crisis and commit to urgent support to help the nation's pubs and clubs. Phil Gregg, National Coordinator for the Club of the Year competition says: "This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our beloved clubs as they jump from one crisis to yet another one. The fact that we're still seeing such shining examples of club excellence despite these challenges is incredible, and a real testament to these winners. "We believe that member only clubs are important community assets that promote the social wellbeing of the local area, and this competition aims to highlight the very best examples across the country." The Top 14 Regional Winners West Pennines Roa Island Boating Club A welcoming Boating Club situated on an island connected by a causeway to the mainland. The small solar powered brewing plant produces a range of four beers which are supplemented by up to two from Ulverston Brewing Company. The outside pagoda and veranda offer superb views across the bay. Greater Manchester Dobcross Band Social Club The Club boasts enjoyable views of the hills of the Saddleworth moors. The present wooden building was erected in 1967 and is set out in a way to provide facilities for the members of its various sections. These are bands, bowlers, snooker and darts players. The club is famous for its weekly Sunday night band concerts, mainly of local bands but occasionally hosts bands from further afield. Scotland/Northern Ireland Adrossan Academicals Rugby Club An active sports club with members' lounge selling one cask ale and one keykeg ale. CAMRA members can be signed in for GBP1 per night up to 12 times a year, and there is also a reduced annual special CAMRA membership of GBP20. The club holds an annual beer festival. North East Mid-Boldon Club Private members only club that celebrated its centenary in 2012. The single room on three levels is served from a single bar and features a snooker table. There are four ever changing cask beers always from local and independent breweries. Merseyside-Cheshire Barnton Cricket Club This local and regional CAMRA multi-award-winning club is a beacon for real ale in a relative desert. Sports feature heavily here with on-site squash courts as well as the main cricket pitch and crown green bowling. The club has been awarded Club Marque accreditation from the England & Wales Cricket Board. A popular beer festival is held in the summer. Yorkshire Hanging Heaton Cricket Club A long-established, welcoming community club. The successful cricket team plays in the local league and snooker is taken very seriously. The two snooker tables are well used and bring home prizes, plus regular celebrity appearances. The handpumps have increased from one to four under the steward who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about real ale. West Midlands Firs Club The club contains a bar area, quiet lounge and sports lounge with pool table. Snooker tables are upstairs. Up to three guest ales always including a mild, mainly sourced locally. The club has its own on-site microbrewery. East Anglia Bishop's Stortford Sports Trust This is a large club house shared by the local cricket, hockey, and squash clubs. It's known for serving real ale and always features local breweries, with a varied selection on the four hand pumps and usually there are a selection of ales from Hadham, Mauldon, Tring, Wolf and Adnams. The bar is a bit sports dominated with football often screened. The large open grounds make for a great beer garden when it's nice weather, and in addition members of the club and CAMRA members also enjoy discounted drink prices. Kent Marden Village Club Six real ales are now offered at this Grade II listed club and community hub; five change regularly and are generally from local microbreweries. There is always one dark beer available. The club was totally renovated in 2017 and refurbished to produce a light, airy, and friendly atmosphere. Many members are involved in the club's snooker and darts teams; others simply enjoy the friendly ambiance and watch live football and rugby on the sports TV. Regularly voted Maidstone CAMRA branch Club of the Year. Card carrying CAMRA members are welcome but regular visitors will be required to join. Greater London Leyton Orient Supporters Club Usually only open on home match days, and not during the game, this multi award-winning bar is staffed by volunteers. It gets busy but service is swift and efficient. In addition to match days, it often opens for England football matches and other events, including brewery takeovers and beer festivals. A small admission charge is sometimes levied for non-club/CAMRA members. Up to 10 cask ales are served along with ciders and a small range of bottles. Surrey/Sussex Egham United Service Club Local CAMRA Club of the Year and a previous National Club of the Year finalist. A changing range of ales including a dark beer and a real cider available from the cellar. Three beer festivals a year showcase an eclectic range of ales, mostly from the newest micros around. The club is comfortably furnished with sports TV and hosts live music some Saturday evenings. CAMRA members can be signed in as guests on production of their membership card. Wessex Corfe Castle Club Friendly club in the village centre, formerly a school and built in Purbeck stone. The main bar has upholstered bench seating, TV for major sporting events, darts and a Purbeck longboard Shove Ha'penny. An upstairs room has a pool table and can be hired for meetings. Filled rolls are available all day. The spectacular garden boasts a boules court and views over the Purbeck hills. Convenient for the Castle or Steam Railway, visitors are welcome with a CAMRA membership card or copy of the Guide. Wales Barry West End Club Visitors are welcome to sample the keenly priced ales at this multiple winner of the local CAMRA Club of the Year. Housed in a red brick building overlooking Barry Old Harbour, it features a bar, lounge, function and snooker rooms. The club holds a couple of beer festivals during the year and has been home to a cricket club for over 30 years. It fields skittles, adult and junior football and snooker teams, and even has chess, fishing and scuba clubs. South West Cheltenham Motor Club Located just outside the town centre in the former Crown Inn. This friendly and welcoming club, formed in 1906, is open to all. The enthusiastic steward normally keeps six ales on tap, one generally from Moor Beer, one is always a dark beer, a cask typically from Deya, and at least one cider plus a range of Belgian beers in bottles. The club is divided into a bar/TV room, now with additional snug and a games room separated by a folding partition. There is now a new side canopy leading into the courtyard for external sheltered drinking. The bar is decorated with various motoring paraphernalia. Three times winner of National CAMRA Club of the Year, 2013, 2017 and 2020, and 2014/5/16 finalist.

2022-09-02	HISTORIC DORCHESTER PUB
A historic Dorchester's pub which has been a feature of the town's high street for over 300 years has been named winner in the Refurbishment category of CAMRA's highly acclaimed Pub Design Awards, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale.? The King's Arms in Dorchester, Dorset has accommodated many important visitors, as well as featuring in the novels of Thomas Hardy. It had been closed for some time and was in a very poor condition when acquired by its current owners, the Stay Original Company, in 2016. The major refurbishment, which has seen careful repair and conservation of historic fixtures and fittings, and careful integration of new ones, was led by interior design team Origin, in conjunction with architects Mackenzie Wheeler (conservation). The building has been carefully and sympathetically updated and has made a major contribution to the revival of Dorchester's historic High Street.?? Rob Greacen, MD of the Stay Original Co said: "We are delighted to have won CAMRA's Pub Design Award for Refurbishment. It's lovely that the outstanding work of the team - led by designer Ali Guttridge - has been recognised.? "The King's Arms means so much in Dorchester. It was the Grande Dame of the high street for many years and immortalised by Thomas Hardy. Sadly, it was in a very sorry state by the time we bought it and it was only when we started work, that we discovered some amazing original features that we have brought back to life. Now you can trace the building's evolution from 17th century ale house to important 19th century Coaching Inn and staging post to London.? "We specialise in rejuvenating important listed hotels and pubs in the South West and turning them in to thriving businesses again. It has been a pleasure to work on this project and we hope that the King's Arms is back where it belongs as the go-to hotel in Dorset's county town.”?? There was a total of six award winners and one highly commended pub across different categories, ranging from refurbishment to new build in this year's awards. These include:? New Build: Brewpoint, Bedford & Crown Wharf, Stone, Staffordshire (joint winners)? Refurbishment: King's Arms, Dorchester (winner), Bleeding Wolf, Cheshire (highly commended)? Historic England Conservation: Castle, Macclesfield and Coach & Horses, Barnburgh (joint winners)?? Community Local: Boleyn?Tavern, East Ham (winner)?? Andrew Davison, chair of CAMRA's judging panel said: "Once again, the awards underline just how varied Britain's pubs are, and we have had a hard job in selecting the winners from the entries submitted. Amongst the award winners we have new pubs, old pubs, urban pubs, rural pubs, elegant old inns, elaborate Victorian 'gin palaces', and inter-war pubs. There was a concern that pub owners would suspend work on their buildings during the pandemic, but quite a few seem to have taken the opportunity of enforced closure to plan and carry out repairs, restoration, and improvements.? "What links them is that their owners and their architects have responded to them as individual buildings, rather than applying a standard formula - the result is a fantastically varied selection of winners. We applaud them all, and trust that these revitalised buildings will be serving their communities for many years to come."

2022-08-24	ATTITUDES OF THE PAST.
Sunderland male-only pub opens its doors to women. Back in 1968, a male-only pub in Sunderland prepared to open its doors to women for the first time. Described by Look North reporter Luke Casey as the "last bastion of male independence", he went along to see what the regulars of The Vestry made of the changes. The footage has been released as part of the BBC Rewind archive project to help celebrate the corporation's centenary. The BBC is giving people access to thousands of films reflecting life around the UK since the 1940s. This video contains reporting and views from more than 50 years ago.

2022-08-05	CUT AND PRINT
Filming for the feature film 'Mother's Pride' will be taking place at the Great British Beer Festival on Friday, 5 August. The film has been described as 'a love letter' to the British pub, with leading filmmakers taking inspiration from the near loss of their own community pubs. Writer-directors Meg Leonard and Nick Moorcroft - who made Fisherman's Friends, one of the most successful British independent films of the past decade - will be shooting the comedy drama on the festival grounds throughout the day. Titled 'Mother's Pride', the film is about a failing pub, a divided community and a grieving family whose lives are changed by brewing real ale and entering the Champion Beer of Britain Awards at the Great British Beer Festival. Filming is to begin in October in Wiltshire and Somerset, and the film will be released in cinemas nationwide in 2023. The film makers have an impressive track record. 'Fisherman's Friends', which was based on a true story of singing Cornish fishermen who signed a record deal, had success worldwide and inspired a sequel. Their other hits include 'Finding your Feet', a romantic comedy that has inspired a French remake. CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: "We are looking forward to welcoming the production crew down to the Great British Beer Festival grounds tomorrow. The film follows the journey of a homebrewer turning his life and the fate of his pub around by entering CAMRA's prestigious Champion Beer of Britain competition. The film highlights the plight of our nation's pubs and the importance of preserving local pub culture. We can't wait to see the finished product and hope it encourages viewers to join the Campaign for Real Ale, to help us in our campaign to support and promote British locals for generations to come."

2022-07-05	ALCOHOL FOCUS.
In response to the Realising Our Rights: How to protect people from alcohol marketing report from Alcohol Focus Scotland, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona stated: "Time and time again, research shows that the vast majority of adults who choose to consume alcohol do so within government guidelines. Indeed, the authors of this report have quoted statistics suggesting that 75% of adults in Scotland drink within the current low-risk guidelines. "However, other statements in the report directly contradict numerous academic studies that show that low-risk levels of alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle." "We support measures to curb excessive drinking, but the measures proposed in this report are excessive restrictions on the majority that consume moderately, rather than targeted intervention to help those suffering from alcohol dependency."

2022-07-04	LAST ORDERS
Figures out today show that the number of pubs in England and Wales continues to fall, hitting their lowest level on record. 7,000 pubs have closed since 2012, leaving only 39,970 pubs in June 2022. Over the last decade thousands of pubs have closed for a number of reasons, such as cheaper supermarket alcohol, but also because younger people drink less. The pandemic did the sector no favours as lockdowns forced pubs to shut or implement strict social distancing rules.

2022-06-28	HISTORIC ENGLISH PUB INTERIORS
Eleven pubs across England have been recognised for their historic or unusual interiors. The pubs have been listed, upgraded or relisted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England. The full list of pubs: • Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds (upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*) • The Prince Alfred in Maida Vale, London (upgraded to Grade II*) • Blythe Hill Tavern in Catford, London (newly listed at Grade II) • Red Lion in Westminster, London (relisted at Grade II) • Admiral Vernon in Dagenham, London (newly listed at Grade II) • Harrow Inn near Petersfield, Hampshire (relisted at Grade II) • North Star near Steventon, Oxfordshire (relisted at Grade II) • Kings Head (Low House) in Laxfield, Suffolk (relisted at Grade II) • The Victoria in Great Harwood, Lancashire (relisted at Grade II) • Black Horse in Preston, Lancashire (relisted at Grade II) • The Bridge Inn in Topsham, Devon (relisted at Grade II)

2022-06-02	SHUT THAT DOOR.
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has released its pub closure statistics for 2021 and is calling for intervention from government to protect the great British pub. The figures released today show that across Great Britain last year 290 pubs were demolished or converted to another use - an average of just over five a week. There was an uptick in the number of new pubs being built, or existing buildings being converted into pubs, averaging just over seven new pubs opening every week in the second half of the year. However, over 500 pubs were also classed as a 'long term closure' in 2021, where the building is still classed as a pub for planning purposes, but the business itself has closed or is empty and without tenants to run it, showing the lasting effects of the pandemic, and the present cost of business crisis. The Campaign has highlighted a number of steps that Government across the UK should take in response to the report, and to the cost of living crisis, including: An immediate cut in VAT for on trade food and drink sales, to help both businesses and consumers Introducing an Online Sales Tax, with the funds raised directed to relieve the grossly unfair rates burden on the pub and hospitality sector Using the upcoming Statutory Pubs Code Review to bring more tied tenants into the scope of the Pubs Code for England and Wales; and making sure a robust Scottish Pubs Code is introduced later this year to offer protections for tied tenants in Scotland for the first time Bringing forward the introduction of the new draught duty rate for beer and cider, confirming that it will apply to containers of 20L and over Confirming the retention of the duty exemption for small cider makers making under 70HL of product a year Commenting, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "These figures show that whilst there is some encouraging news about new pubs opening in 2021, there is still a big problem with pub businesses not re-opening after the pandemic. "With the cost of living crisis affecting consumers, and the cost of business crisis facing our pubs, brewers and cider makers, we are really concerned that this positive news from our 2021 figures will turn into a nightmare report for 2022. "Pubs are not only vital employers, but they are key to community life up and down the country - bringing people together and tackling loneliness and social isolation. Government across the UK must do more to make sure pub businesses can survive the cost of business crisis, and that consumers can still support their local pubs at a time when household budgets are being squeezed. "CAMRA is doing our bit, with our Summer of Pub campaign rallying people to support their locals at every possible opportunity, but we need also need action from political leaders. The UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments must take action to safeguard the future of the Great British pub so they can continue to play their part at the heart of community life in the years to come. "That's why CAMRA is calling for a cut in VAT for food and drink served in pubs and the introduction of fairer business rates systems which desperately need designing so that pubs are taxed fairly - together with an online sales tax so online businesses pay their fair share too."

2022-05-16	INDUSTRY ICON CLOSES. RIP THE CAT.
The closure of Kelham Island brewery in Sheffield - famous for its Pale Rider beer - has sent shock waves through the industry and the ranks of beer lovers. The brewery was 32 years old and its success was an inspiration for other aspiring small, independent beer makers. Ed Wickett, who ran the brewery following the death of his father Dave in 2012, said the closure was "a whirlwind of problems, with Covid and lockdowns having a massive impact" "We've had a tricky couple of years and they could have got worse. The brewery is getting old and some bits were falling off. It needed investment but we've been faced with surcharges for gas, fuel, malt, hops and delivery charges. "We've done our best to absorb increases as much as possible but we had to pass some of the price rises on to stay viable. But if you tell a publican who's been taking your beer that the price of a cask that was GBP75 last month is now GBP85 they put the phone down on you." The brewery was launched in 1990 by Dave Wickett ,who was active in CAMRA and a member of the Campaign's Industry and Economics Committee. Dave taught economics in Sheffield but when he tired of "this dismal science" he put his love of good beer into practice by buying a pub in the Kelham Island district in 1981 and renaming it the Fat Cat. The pub, close to the River Don that once powered the local steel industry, attracted beer lovers from near and far, especially when Dave brought Timothy Taylor's Landlord to Sheffield for the first time. In 1990 Dave built a small brewery next to the pub to augment its cask ales and he restored brewing to a city that had lost the local brewer Ward's and plants owned by Bass and Whitbread. The success of Kelham Island led to Dave building a bigger plant close by. He designed one of the first golden ales called Pale Rider (5.2 per cent) that achieved national sales when it was named Champion Beer of Britain in 2004 at CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival. It was one of the first beers to use hops from the United States and introduced British drinkers to the citrus notes of the Willamette variety. The brewery cashed in on the success of the beer with such brews as Easy Rider (4.3 per cent) and Riders of the Storm (4.5 per cent) but it didn't neglect Steel City's older traditions with such beers as Best Bitter (3.8 per cent) and Pride of Sheffield (4 per cent). Dave Wickett became a powerful force in the region. He was an advisor to Thornbridge brewery in Derbyshire when the owner of Thornbridge Hall, Jim Harrison, opened a small 10-barrel plant in the grounds. The success of Thornbridge beers, Jaipur IPA (5.9 per cent) in particular, led to a 30,000-barrel plant being built in Bakewell. The original Kelham Island brewing kit was donated by Dave to the Welbeck Estate near Worksop in Nottinghamshire. Claire Monk, who studied biochemistry at Sheffield university and then learned brewing skills with Dave Wickett, moved to Welbeck to brew beers for the estate's acclaimed school of cooking and food preparation. Her beers became available in pubs in the area and include pale ale, bitter and porter. Dave Wickett had a generous spirit. When a derelict pub near the Fat Cat reopened as the Kelham Island Tavern he said he didn't mind if the name caused confusion with his brewery. "People will go there and then they'll come to the Fat Cat," he said. He was equally happy to allow a pub in Norwich to be called the Fat Cat: "It's outside my trading area!" he laughed. Kelham Island brewery won't be forgotten as Ed Wickett says he will keep the Fat Cat open and it will continue to sell his beers until stocks run out. He says he's had enquiries from as far away as Scotland from brewers interested in buying his brands. No decisions have been made but it's possible that Pale Rider could live again. Ed Wickett, who ran the brewery for 10 years, says he's "proud to have been part of the Kelham Island story." It's to be hoped that the long arm of Covid won't strike down other equally proud brewers of fine beer.

2022-04-18	BEER LIST
With just over 100 days to go until Britain's largest beer festival, CAMRA has unveiled its brewery bar line-up - a chance for the nation's best brewers to showcase their most innovative and exciting brews. The Great British Beer Festival, taking place at Olympia London from 2-6 August, boasts over a thousand British and international beers, ciders, perries, wines and a dedicated gin bar. The brewery line-up is a unique feature of the festival where brewers from across the country are invited to bring their beer range to sample. So far 17 breweries will be on show this year with big names returning such as Harvey's, Titanic and Adnams alongside newcomers such as Black Storm, Iron Pier, Ossett, Saltaire and Three Tuns, with more breweries to come. Catherine Tonry, Great British Beer Festival organiser, said: "We're looking forward to welcoming back returning brewers and new faces to the festival. The brewery bar line-up is always a feature favourite for our visitors, giving them a unique chance to enjoy a wide range of beers from breweries from around the country." The full list of breweries includes: Adnams - established in 1872, Adnams make amazing beers and spirits from grain-to-glass in their east coast home of Southwold. Anspach & Hobday - founded by home-brewing school friends, Anspach & Hobday brew quality ales, porters and lagers from the heart of London with a strong influence of tradition and a keen eye on the future. Arkells - at 175 years old, Arkell's Brewery is one of the few family breweries left in the UK, established as an offshoot to the family farm near Swindon when Isambard Kingdom Brunel was building his Great Western Railway locomotive works. Bedlam- based at the foot of the South Downs just outside the vibrant city of Brighton with a core range of four cask conditioned beers complemented by an ever-changing range of exciting seasonal, limited edition ales. Bishop Nick - an Essex-based brewery that has won a number of awards including Silver Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 2017. Black Storm - Born in 2017 to create great beer that brings people together which has since grown into a nationally distributed beer brand. Bradfield Brewery - a family run brewery based on a busy working farm in the Peak District. Using the finest malts, traditional hops and natural spring water from their own borehole they produce a range of distinctive and award-winning cask-conditioned real ales. Five Point Brewing - The Five Points Brewing Company is an independent brewery based in Hackney, East London, brewing with a commitment to quality and the community since 2013. The Five Points champions flavour, provenance and consistency, and their range of award-winning beers are unfiltered and unpasteurised for better taste and aroma. Harvey's - Using a blend of local hops, water filtered through the Sussex Downs over 30 years and Harvey's unique 60-year-old yeast strain, Harvey's beers are the embodiment of Sussex. Iron Pier Brewery & Taproom - Iron Pier produced their first beer in January 2018. Primarily focused on cask beer, with an additional barrel ageing programme to provide beers aged over months and years in oak barrels, they have since expanded to provide can and keg beer, all brewed and packaged onsite. Ossett Brewery - A progressive and passionate independent brewery located in the heart of Yorkshire. Crafted over two decades, they've perfected the science of producing ales of consistently high quality and honed the art of brewing beers that are loved by all. Quantock Brewery - born out of a love of brewing by head brewer and former nuclear engineer Rob Rainey, Quantock continues to explore new ideas and add to their ever-growing range of beers crafted in the heart of Somerset. Saltaire Brewery - Truly independent, Saltaire has been making internationally award-winning beer this way since 2006. Based in West Yorkshire, they make tasty beer in all formats to send around the UK and across the world. Siren Craft Brew - Siren Craft Brew was born in 2013 with a simple idea in mind: to introduce exciting, full-?avoured and forward-thinking beers to as many people as possible. Three Tuns Brewery - In the heart of Shropshire, this 17th Century brewery holds tradition in the highest regard, which is why its legendary ales are made the traditional way, using only the finest ingredients to give each one its own unique Three Tuns Brewery flavour. Titanic Brewery - brewed in the creative and industrial heart of the West Midlands, two Staffordshire brothers have owned and run Titanic for over 30 years. The Wild Beer Co - Based on a Dairy farm in rural Somerset in 2012, The Wild Beer Co was born out of a love of fermentation, barrel-ageing and most importantly, flavour. Tickets to the Great British Beer Festival can be purchased at https://gbbf.org.uk/ CAMRA is still recruiting brewery bars, so make sure to contact us directly if you would like to have your beers featured. The festival opening times are: Tuesday 2 August - 12:00 17:00 (Trade Session) Tuesday 2 August - 17:00 - 22:30 (Public Session) Wednesday 3 August - 12:00 - 22:30 Thursday 4 August - 12:00 - 22:30 Friday 5 August - 12:00 - 22:30 Saturday 6 August - 12:00 - 19:00 Last Admission: half an hour before close.

2022-03-25	GBBF - IT'S BACK!
CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival returns following a two-year hiatus? Britain's premier beer festival will be returning to London Olympia from 2-6 August 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to social distancing measures and crowd restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), now in its 45th year, will once again feature quality live beer served from across the British Isles. New breweries will join stalwarts of the brewing industry in a collaborative effort to celebrate and showcase the very best live beer, cider and perry that Britain has to offer. This year visitors can also sample some of the very best cask beer America has to offer, thanks to a cask beer exchange set up between the Great British Beer Festival and the New England Real Ale Exhibition. This makes GBBF the sole destination to find quality cask conditioned American beers - a rarity even across the United States itself, where keg beer is predominant. Tickets to this extraordinary event will go on sale on next week. Entry is 20GBP and visitors will receive a souvenir glass, programme and two half-pints to kick off their day of beer tasting. VIP and corporate ticket packages are also available. Festival organiser Catherine Tonry said: "It gives me great pleasure to announce the return of the Great British Beer Festival in 2022. Circumstances outside our control have seen hundreds of beer festivals cancelled across the country over the last two years, so the return of the Great British Beer Festival marks an incredibly positive turn for the beer industry and beer drinkers alike. I think we can all raise a glass to a new chapter of great beer and comradely in a post-pandemic world." She adds: "Regular visitors to the festival may notice some small changes to the layout this year due to ongoing improvement works at our venue, London Olympia. Our organising group has worked incredibly hard to put on a good show this year, and we are confident that we won't disappoint!" The Great British Beer Festival wouldn't be possible without the hard work of dedicated volunteers from across the country who converge on London to organise the best beer show in town. Nearly a thousand volunteers help make the event on behalf of the Campaign for Real Ale, a not-for-profit consumer group that campaigns on a range of issues to support beer, cider, pubs and clubs. All festival proceeds go directly back into CAMRA campaigning activity. Tickets will be on sale soon and to find out more, visit gbbf.org.uk

2022-03-22	Taxing Times
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak ahead of the Spring fiscal statement, urging Government to support pubs, clubs, brewers, and cider makers in the coming tax year. The consumer rights organisation has detailed the threats currently faced by the sector and called for three key measures to be put in place to help combat the impact of spiralling business costs: (1) Expanded Business Rate Relief to both include more businesses and provide a greater level of relief. (2) Accelerated implementation of the new preferential duty rate for draught beer and cider. (3) For the current temporary 12.5% VAT rate for some goods and services within the hospitality industry to be made permanent. With strong public and industry support for these steps, these measures would make a significant contribution to mitigating rising costs and offering on-going support to those in the industry. Commenting, CAMRA National Chairman, Nik Antona said: "While pubs, clubs, brewers and cider makers have worked incredibly hard to begin recovery from the disruption of the pandemic, the aftershocks of this upheaval are still being felt. The current cost of living crisis, and looming increases in fixed costs such as Business Rates and VAT, will only compound these issues so it is vital that Government takes the opportunity of the Spring fiscal statement to support the sector. "These businesses not only represent a key part of the UK economy, they are at also the heart of so many communities. Pubs, clubs, brewers and cider makers face a financial tipping point, and we urge the Chancellor to ensure that Government support does not fall short."

2022-03-21	A ROSE BY ANY NAME
The Rose Inn in Nuneaton hosts historic 50th anniversary celebrations for CAMRA. Local CAMRA members will descend on The Rose Inn in Nuneaton to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organisation's very first national Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Rose Inn hosted founding members including Bill Mellor, Graham Lees, Michael Hardman and Jim Makin on 26 March 1972, when a historic meeting cemented the future of the Campaigning organisation. To celebrate, CAMRA members from across the West Midlands will descend onto the pub 50 years to the day for a social event on 26 March 2022, raising a glass to CAMRA's four founders and the pub which helped make history happen. Barry Everitt, Chair of the Nuneaton and Bedworth CAMRA branch said, "We hope local CAMRA members will be able to join us and celebrate this historic anniversary at one of our branch's local pubs. To boast such a historic connection to the founding of CAMRA is quite an achievement with so many pubs under threat of closure. We hope the Rose Inn can continue to host CAMRA meetings for another 50 years to come." The pub was previously presented with a bronze plaque to commemorate its role in hosting CAMRA's first ever AGM. It was also nominated by the community as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in 2017 and was tastefully refurbished in 2021, retaining most of its original character. The Nuneaton and Bedworth CAMRA branch hosts a range of social events throughout the year for its 360 members, including beer festivals and pub walks. Branch meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at various local pubs. For more information and to join, please contact info@nuneaton.camra.org.uk

2022-03-10	COVID PUBS
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pubs (Pubs APPG) launched its ground-breaking 'Raising the Bar' report, which aims to quantify the effect of the pandemic on pubs and the people who run them and identify opportunities to create a thriving pub sector. The Inquiry received over 15,000 responses from publicans, consumers, industry groups and academics - with many reporting that the Government did not understand the pub trade as well as it could, and that the current legislative framework surrounding the pub trade is disjointed. It outlines key recommendations to Government, including: - Significant tax reforms to address the disproportionately high Business Rates paid by pubs and extending the duration of the reduced rate of VAT for hospitality. - Action on the growing debt crisis, with rent debt and Bounce Back Loan repayments seen as barriers to success throughout the trade. - Refinement of Pubs Code legislation to ensure a fairer deal for tied tenants in England and Wales, and additional resources for the office of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. - Direct investment into the sector, including building on existing training schemes, and improving access to digital services for pubs. The report found that 95% of consumers surveyed rated their local pub as 'very' or 'fairly important' to them, while 60% disapproved of the level of Government support given to pubs. While the full impact of the pandemic is still not clear, early indications are that 5% of pub businesses (2,500) closed in 2020 alone, and almost 400 have been lost or redeveloped, averaging at six per week. This loss has been particularly hard-hitting for people who feel under-represented in the wider pub-going population, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community who commented that the venues they use are vital to their wellbeing yet poorly supported by public policy. Speaking ahead of the launch, Pubs APPG Chair Charlotte Nichols said: "The Pubs APPG Inquiry received thousands of responses showing the passion, creativity, commitment, and resilience of licensees, pub staff, consumers, and industry representatives. "With support from Government, pubs are uniquely positioned to drive economic recovery from the pandemic, while continuing to play a key role in fighting loneliness and encouraging community cohesion. "However, it's clear that policymakers must take action to address the roadblocks to recovery identified in the Raising the Bar report, and I look forward to working with colleagues in Parliament to ensure pubs receive the support they need." Chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale - the consumer rights organisation that provides secretariat services to the Pubs APPG - Nik Antona commented: "This is a crucial moment for pubs, and I hope Government will see this report as an opportunity to raise the bar. Without legislative reform and greater investment in the trade, thousands of pubs across the country face an uncertain future. We need action from the Government to keep these vital businesses, and local communities they serve, thriving." The full report can be downloaded from here.

2022-01-30	SAVE MY PUB.
Campaigners who rescued the Blue Bell Inn in Stoke Ferry, Norfolk have been recognised with the Campaign for Real Ale's prestigious Pub Saving Award for their efforts. The Blue Bell, which was the last pub in the village of Stoke Ferry, has been trading as a pub since 1794; however, it was closed in March 2018, and in 2019 and application was submitted to convert the pub into housing. Local villagers fought back, and the Blue Bell was listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in March 2020, giving the community time to raise funds to buy the premises. Throughout the Coronavirus restrictions that came into effect not long after, a dedicated committee continued to fight for the pub, leafletting, holding online wine and beer tastings and quiz nights. Celebrity support came in the forms of England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, comedian Stephen K Amos and Stephen Fry. After a long journey that one of CAMRA's judges described as "a tale of dogged persistence ending in triumph", the Blue Bell pub was purchased in June 2021 - of the pub's 400-plus investors, more than three-quarters are firmly and proudly local. While the pub has not yet reopened, volunteers are hard at work to fully renovate the building, which will become a true community pub-cafe hub. Plans are in motion to host an all-day cafe service, a swap-shop for books and home-grown produce, parent and toddler mornings, as well as regular lunches for the over 60s' and other vital services. Jim McNeill, volunteer coordinator, said on behalf of the Stoke Ferry Community Enterprise: "We are thrilled that we have been awarded the Pub Saving Award by CAMRA. When we first started our campaign to rescue the Blue Bell Inn, we surveyed the villagers in Stoke Ferry, and one-third of households responded - with over 90% of respondents saying the village needed a local pub. I am delighted that local people have saved the Blue Bell for our village and its future generations. We have had to contend with many peaks and troughs on the journey, not least the limitations that lockdown had, and could not have done it without the hard work of our volunteers and supporters. We aim to reopen the pub in the coming spring and in it create a true hub of community spirit." Runner-up for the award is the campaign to save the Railway Arms in Saffron Waldon, Essex. This 19th century branch line pub was saved in October 2020 after a 4-year campaign by the group STRAP (standing for 'Save The Railway Arms Pub'). Closed on New Year's Day 2016, the owners had plans to build houses on the pub garden and convert the main buildings into residential ones. With advice and guidance from the Plunkett Foundation and More Than a Pub, a public meeting, attended by 130 people, was held in Saffron Walden Town Hall in April 2017, kickstarting the campaign to save the Railway Arms. To keep STRAP in the public eye, a regular stall was set up in Saffron Walden market on a Saturday and quarterly weekend 'pop up' pub sessions were held in a local community centre - 'Not the Railway Arms'. After a prolonged campaign, the pub came into community ownership in October 2020, before reopening under COVID restrictions on 16 April 2021. Since opening, as well as providing a full range of pub services and facilities, the Railway Arms has hosted theatrical performances in the garden, played a full part in Saffron Walden's 'Fete de la Musique', hosts a local cycling club whose weekly rides start and finish at the pub and has a fortnightly 'knit and natter' session organised by a local craft shop. The announcement of the Pub Saving Award winner and runner up comes at a time when the nation's pubs are all in need of support. The work of communities around the country has been crucial to helping pubs survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-ordinator of the Pub Saving Award Paul Ainsworth said: "This year's winners both have long journeys behind them, and are two examples of superb campaigning to save beloved local pubs - only made more difficult due to the coronavirus restrictions throughout 2020 and 2021. It just goes to show what can be achieved when a community bands together to make a difference, and we are excited to see what is next for the Blue Bell and Railway Arms."

2021-12-28	TABLE SERVICE
Responding to the announcement of a return to table-service only for pubs across Wales from 26th December, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "Bringing back the table service only restriction is devastating news and is going to make it difficult, if not impossible, for many of our pubs, social clubs and brewery taprooms to turn a profit. "Traditional smaller community locals which don't serve food will be particularly hard hit at a time when the decent Christmas trade they were relying on to help them recover and see them through the quiet months at the start of the year has already evaporated as a result of government announcements. "Details of the financial support that will be available is now urgently needed. This must include great Welsh breweries, cider producers and the wider supply chain for the beer and pubs sector and must reach businesses as quickly as is possible. "Any system of grants may help businesses survive the next week or so - but the UK and Welsh Governments must urgently work together bring forward a comprehensive plan to protect our pubs, including a return to furlough, help with rent and extending support with business rates."

2021-12-06	THAT'S A RELIEF.
Commenting on the Government's latest announcement on changes to the Small Brewers' Relief Scheme, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "Small brewers across the UK have been waiting months for [an] announcement, and now have some more certainty over how their tax bills will change in the coming years. "With the bold changes to all alcohol duties proposed in the Budget, there is still more detail that needs to be worked on. We are looking forward to working with the Treasury to ensure that the wider proposals work for small brewers, and especially that the new draught beer duty rate applies to containers of 20L and over - allowing for the smaller formats that small and independent brewers most frequently supply draught beer in. "From the announcement today, we are glad that the Treasury has made a concession on the 50% relief threshold, following representations from small brewers and consumers who were worried about viability of small brewers and knock-on effects on consumer choice under the previous proposals. "We understand that the changes announced today will protect around 70 of the smallest brewers from increased tax bills. Sadly, this will still mean increased bills for those producing between 2,500HL and 5,000HL per year, but the additional changes to smooth the 'cliff edge' in the relief taper should help small brewers grow more sustainably in future. "CAMRA will continue to campaign across a range of issues affecting small and independent brewers, as they are vital to maintaining consumer choice in the UK beer market, which is increasingly dominated by the interests of a small number of global brewing companies."

2021-10-29	TAXATION CHANGES.
Responding in full to yesterday's Budget announcements, CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: "The Chancellor has listened to thousands of CAMRA members who have long called for a change in the way alcohol is taxed. A new, lower rate of duty for draught beer and cider served in pubs and clubs establishes an important principle in the taxation system - that pubs are a force for good in our communities and should be supported to help them survive and compete with the likes of supermarkets. "Our task before this new duty rate is implemented in 2023 is to make sure that the new, lower draught duty rate applies to beer and cider served in smaller containers too, so that as many pubs, breweries and consumers as possible can benefit. We will be using the Government's consultation on how this new system should operate in practice to make this case. "In the meantime, measures like duty freezes and a 50% cut in business rates in England for another year will be welcomed. Our pubs and breweries are still recovering from the pandemic, face rising bills and costs and will continue to need as much support as they can get so they can rebuild their businesses and thrive in the years to come. "Cutting tax for lower ABV drinks will incentivise lower strength alcoholic drinks, whilst new financial support for smaller producers - including cider producers - and continuing discussions around a 50% minimum juice content are encouraging news for both cider makers and consumers. These measures should help to improve quality and choice at the bar. CAMRA will continue to engage with the Government on the planned reforms to Small Brewers Relief and call for a solution that doesn't require some of the smallest breweries to have to pay more tax."

2021-10-28	CHEERS
Commenting on the Autumn Budget announcement of a new Draught Duty rate for beer and cider served in pubs, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: "The introduction of a Draught Duty Rate is a gamechanger for cask beer drinkers, cider and perry drinkers and the Great British local. "This is something CAMRA has campaigned on for many years and we are delighted that the Government has listened, supported our locals and introduced the important principle that?beer, cider and perry served in a pub or social club should be taxed at a different rate to?alcohol bought at places like supermarkets. "CAMRA has previously commissioned research that showed that a Draught Beer Duty rate could pull consumption into pubs and social clubs from the off trade, providing a boost to pubs and local economies. "We hope that pubs and producers will make sure drinkers see the impact of this revolutionary policy on the price of their pints, to encourage them to return to their locals. "We look forward to campaigning for future reductions in Draught Duty, to make sure that consumers, brewers and publicans can enjoy the maximum benefits of this ground-breaking new policy."

2021-10-18	CAMRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
CAMRA has announced that its next AGM and annual conference will be at the The Winter Garden in Eastbourne in 2022. It is open to all members and free to attend. There will be debates, workshops and motions, but also an opportunity to go on trips to breweries including Harvey's and Long Man.

2021-10-15	BUDGET TIME
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is urging the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to use his Budget later this month to introduce a new, lower rate of duty for draught beer. The consumer group, which represents 170,000 pub goers and beer drinkers, wants to see a lower rate of beer duty where it is served on draught in places like pubs, social clubs and taprooms. The introduction of a differential rate of duty for draught beer would better support pubs and social clubs across Great Britain, helping them to recover from the pandemic, compete with supermarkets and thrive in the years to come. The move could also help create jobs in the beer and pubs sector, and encourage the wellbeing benefits of enjoying a pint in your local. Ahead of the Budget on 27 October CAMRA is mobilising pub goers up and down the country to get behind the campaign for fairer tax on beer in pubs by using their template email to contact their local MP. The 'email your MP' tool is available at: https://camra.e-activist.com/page/91459/action/1 Speaking about the campaign CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: "A new draught beer duty rate would be a huge improvement to the way beer is taxed, allowing for a reduced rate of tax on beer sold on draught in pubs, social clubs and taprooms. "This would help pubs to compete with supermarkets, be a boost to local economies and job markets and encourage responsible drinking in the regulated environment of the local pub. This will also help to ensure that our pubs remain at the heart of our communities, helping to combat loneliness and social isolation. "It is vital that the Chancellor uses this Budget to support the beer and pubs sector as it continues the long recovery from the Covid pandemic. A new draught beer duty rate is the best way to do just that, and would make sure that our pubs can survive and thrive in the years to come."

2021-09-25	BACK TO CASK
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is joining industry bodies calling for support for pubs, bars, pubcos and breweries to mark this year's Cask Ale Week, which starts today (23 September) and runs until 3 October. The organisations hope this will help the industry get back on their feet following the coronavirus pandemic. CAMRA has been a long supporter of Cask Ale Week, an initiative which calls on pub-goers to choose cask-conditioned ale and aims to promote locally produced cask ale. Cask Ale Week is an opportunity to drive footfall to pubs to enjoy a pint of cask, as well as host other events such as competitions, festivals and events to promote cask ale. CAMRA has called on its 200 branches to get involved planning local events, which will be shared across social media channels and website. CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: "After an incredibly difficult year for the industry, we're looking forward to joining forces to support and promote UK pubs and breweries. "The past year has been devastating for the industry and has been especially hard on the sales of hand-pulled cask beer, which can only be served in pubs. In 2019, over 10,000 different cask beers were produced in Britain - there is such a wide range of choice in terms of styles and flavours for beer drinkers, and we need to ensure that selection of choice is protected. It is vital that the industry is provided with much needed support, for local breweries as well as pubs and clubs, so that they can survive and thrive. "We are urging everyone to celebrate Cask Ale Week in style, by supporting their local businesses?and enjoying a pint of cask ale." Director of Cask Marque Paul Nunny added: "If ever there were a time for breweries and pubs to promote cask beer, it is now. And if ever there were a timely opportunity, it is Cask Ale Week. "Everyone in the sector is warmly invited to get involved. You can use it to boost sales of your beer and at the same time, you'll be supporting the overall effort to promote cask beer - and pub going. "Together we can make an impact that acting in silo, it is impossible to make." Cask Ale Week's launch comes not long after CAMRA officially relaunched its programme of festivals and events, with beer festivals now following the organisation's new COVID secure policies to ensure the safety of festival goers and allowing people to once more socialise and celebrate real ale. Several of CAMRA's forthcoming festivals can be found under the 'What's On' page, or can be seen on CAMRA's events hub Other bodies getting involved in the initiative include Cask Marque, the British Beer & Pub Association, UKHospitality and SIBA. To learn more about Cask Ale Week, Visit

2021-09-20	CAMRA - 50 YEARS OF UK BREWING AWARDS
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has awarded 18 breweries and cider makers across the country with Golden Awards, to mark a half century of the organisation's campaigns. As part of its anniversary celebrations throughout 2021, CAMRA is recognising people, groups of people or businesses that have made a significant contribution to CAMRA's aims, helping us get to where we are today. 32 pubs in the Awards' 'Pubs' categories were previously announced in July, and today's recipients are entered in the 'Pints' category. Nominations for the Golden Awards were made by CAMRA members and locals. Over 80 breweries were submitted, which was then whittled down to 18 awardees. CAMRA's Awards Director Gary Timmins said: "I am delighted to be celebrating these breweries and cider makers today with CAMRA Golden Awards. These awards reflect the dedication and legacies of these businesses over the last 50 years, and the impact they have had on our campaign and on British brewing and cider production. "CAMRA's 50th year comes on the heels of an incredibly difficult time for the industry after 18 months of lockdowns and restrictions. I hope all involved with these businesses, both present and past, will take this award as appreciation for all the hard work involved in producing pints of great quality over the decades. "Winners have been chosen for their successes in standing the test of time; they are breweries or cider and perry producers that have gone above and beyond in delivering excellence or innovation over the years. I applaud them for their dedication and for being industry stalwarts." The 18 Golden Awards recipients are: Adnams, Southwold, Suffolk Batemans, Wainfleet, Lincolnshire Brains, Cardiff, Wales Coach House, Warrington, Cheshire Durham, Bowburn, County Durham Fuller's, Chiswick, London Harvey's, Lewes, East Sussex Hop Back, Downton, Wiltshire Moor, Bristol, Somerset Oliver's Cider & Perry, Ocle Pychard, Herefordshire Orkney, Quoyloo, Orkney Robinsons, Stockport, Greater Manchester Shepherd Neame, Faversham, Kent Thwaites, Blackburn, Lancashire Timothy Taylor, Keighley, West Yorkshire West Berkshire, Yattendon, Berkshire West Croft Cider, Highbridge, Somerset Wye Valley, Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire The Golden Awards are celebrating recipients in three different categories: 'Pubs', 'Pints', and 'People'. The winners in the 'People' category will be announced later in the year. Local presentation events are in the process of being arranged, with each brewery or cider maker receiving a certificate of achievement. CAMRA will be celebrating their 50th anniversary throughout 2021, with a host of activity including a new biography 50 Years of CAMRA, awards for campaigners, pubs and breweries, virtual festivals, and commemorative merchandise. Learn more on our 50th Anniversary page.

2021-09-19	WELCOME TO THE BEER
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is relaunching its national programme of beer festivals, after an almost two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. CAMRA official events have been suspended since March 2020, for the safety of attendees and in line with government regulations. As restrictions have now lifted, local branch beer festivals that have been 18 months in the making are welcome to open their doors once more. Jonathan Kemp, CAMRA Events Director, said: "I am sure we have all missed the social benefits of a drink with friends, and look forward to meeting up with loved ones and fellow branch members over a pint at a festival. "Over the past two years, the safety and protection of the hundreds of attendees, stewards, bar staff and other volunteers was at the very top of the list of CAMRA's priorities. I am delighted not only to see festivals opening their doors once more, but also to be able to assure attendees that their safety is paramount to our planning. If you have any concerns or questions, you can visit our website for details of our health and safety documents, and frequently asked questions." The organisation's flagship festival, the Great British Beer Festival, is also hoped to return in August 2022, with updates coming in the forthcoming months. Festivals will be launching with rigorous new safety measures, to ensure the comfort of volunteers, members and other attendees. The updates to festival health and safety documents include that a coronavirus risk assessment be completed during the festival planning stages, as well as ensuring all festival volunteers receive additional induction, information, instruction training and supervision in light of the pandemic. Other safety procedures include: - Specific cleaning / sanitisation plans and glass guidelines - Contactless payments wherever possible - Tickets sold in advance of all sessions - Use of Track & Trace - Specific guidance for volunteers and third-party vendors - Social distancing where possible - For indoor festivals, windows and doors open to provide ventilation CAMRA Health & Safety and Compliance Manager, Glyn Shand said: "With CAMRA festivals returning, it's important to give our customers the confidence to return in a safe manner. To do this, each festival is required to complete a Covid Risk Assessment based on our Covid Guidance and the government's. This is reviewed by myself to help ensure our festivals are 'Covid secure'. "I'm really excited for the return of festivals, and I look forward to seeing you all soon!"

2021-09-18	CAMRA AGM 2022
CAMRA's AGM will take place on the morning of Saturday 9th April 2022 in the Floral Hall at the Winter Garden, Compton Street, Eastbourne BN21 4BP. Members' Weekend incorporates the AGM and Conference, and is open to all our members and free to attend. We're pleased to be able to welcome members back to this popular event, after two cancelled in-person events due to Covid-19. You can find more information on the dedicated event page - about the venue, the area, travel and accommodation. Once registered to attend, you will be sent information about activities and organised trips nearer the time. Members can also register in person over the Weekend. Share your skills and discover new ones - volunteer to help at the event As with all CAMRA events, volunteers are needed to help make the weekend a great success. Whether it's behind the scenes, behind the bar, counting votes, on the CAMRA shop or registration, whatever time you can give is much appreciated. CAMRA looks forward to welcoming you to Eastbourne - named the 'sunniest place in the UK' - next April.

2021-08-14	NO STANDING ROOM
Speaking after comments made by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP on BBC Radio Scotland on the 4th August, that 'vertical drinking' may not be allowed in pubs from 9th August, CAMRA's Scotland Director Joe Crawford said: "These comments from the Deputy First Minister are extremely worrying. "Being allowed to order at the bar is all well and good but if, from 9th August, pub goers can only have a drink whilst sitting at a table that means our smaller, community locals still won't be able to operate at a normal capacity or trade at a level they need to make ends meet. "This is huge blow for consumers, pubs and the breweries that serve them who were hoping to be joining England and Wales in moving towards normality. Our pubs need to be allowed to start to recover and rebuild from a devastating 18 months of closures and stifling restrictions so they can continue to play their part at the heart of communities and in tackling loneliness and social isolation. "There is absolutely no sense in ministers allowing large groups to congregate on dance floors in nightclubs but not allowing 2 or 3 friends to stand and chat with a pint in their hand at their local pub."

2021-07-30	SHIPWRECKED
Shipwrecked beer rescued In September 1895 the cargo ship Wallachia left Glasgow bound for the Caribbean. The load was general cargo, which included bottled beer, whisky and gin. Soon after leaving the Clyde, the ship suffered a collision in bad weather off Dunoon and eventually sunk. The wreck was explored by diver Steve Hickman in the 1980s and he retrieved some of the beer, as well as whisky and gin. The beer, a stout, has been analysed by Sunderland-based Brewlab and it recreated the brew it dubbed Wallachia Stout. The 7 per cent ale has been brewed by Darwin brewery, which shares premises with Brewlab near the banks of the River Wear. When asked if this was a limited release, brewer Gav Sutherland said: "Very!." The full story is available here: Visit Story So what is it like? The first mouthful came across as silky smooth. There was a mild sweetness, followed by a strong, long lasting bitter mouth feel. It didn't taste like a stout, more like an old ale or a barley wine. After a few more sips it started to taste just like the English Trappist ale, Tynt Meadow. If this tale of a rescued beer by Brewlab/Darwin from a shipwreck sounds familiar, this is because it has happened before. The first time was the discovery of bottled beer in a wreck in the English Channel off Littlehampton, West Sussex. This led to the production of a porter that became Darwin Flag Porter (below). This beer is in regular production and features in the CAMRA's 300 Beers To Try Before You Die. The history of Flag Porter can be read here : Visit

2021-07-29	STONE THE CROW
The Crow Inn has been voted Sheffield and District CAMRA Pub of the Month for July - the first branch award of its kind for many months. It was opened as the Crown Inn in 1797 by Sheffield brewer Thomas Rawson, but the 20th century saw many changes. These resulted in closure in 2010 and the building in Scotland Street becoming the Sleep Hotel. Previous names have included the Old Crown Inn and R & B's Uptown Bar. In June 2019, under the same management as the nearby Rutland Arms, the Crow was reborn. The logo cleverly links the new to the old - a crow is pictured holding an "N" in its mouth having stolen it from the Crown. The beer range complements the Rutland's with five handpumps (gluten-free Abbeydale Heather (4.3 per cent) is the only permanent resident) and 14 keg lines, together with a large choice of spirits, including 40 malt whiskies. The beer range is innovative, including hard-to-find limited-edition beers and obscure imports. Kev's Pies are also sold plus there are seven en-suite rooms. This is all managed by the personable team - Adam Griffiths, Adam Swithenbank, Charlotte Walker, Chris Bamford, Kate Major and Lizzie Dabner. Apart from opening out the right-hand room, the basic layout of the interior is unchanged. The fittings are of varying ages, with some recent renovation and modern artwork. The bar appears early/mid 20th century. The porch has internal leaded windows and an impressive ceramic floor which features an image of a crown. Unusually, the off-sales was approached via the entrance to the rear yard, purchasers entering through a small door. This entrance was removed in 1972. Historically, the pub is mentioned as a key player in the 1840s Chartist protests, the Sheffield Outrages and the city's 1920s gang wars. The outrages saw the 1859 murder of James Linley "saw-grinder, was sitting at the Crown Inn, Scotland Street" (Caledonian Mercury, 3 August 1859). It's hoped presentation of the award can be made in August.

2021-07-25	YORKSHIRE SQUARE
A conceptual work of art pop-up pub is serving up pints in Leeds' Kirkgate Market thanks to the help of a National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Yorkshire Square is four-sided and measures 12x12ft and takes its inspiration from the unique fermenting vessels championed by Tetley's brewery. It's the work of Small Acts artists Katie Etheridge and Simon Persighetti and refers to the unprecedented mass closure of the UK's already endangered pubs during lockdown. The shutdown highlighted both the fragility and the importance of the pub in our lives and communities. It also explores the idea that the pub of the future has many faces as each side of The Yorkshire Square presents a different bar offering multiple ways to explore the past, present and future of Leeds pubs. Opening times: Thursday 22 July: 11am-5pm Friday 23 July: 11am-10pm Saturday 24 July: 11am-5pm

2021-07-24	TAXING TIMES
One year on from the Treasury announcement on changes to the Small Brewers’ Relief Scheme, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has released academic research from Professors Geoff Pugh and David Tyrrall showing the damaging effect that the plans could have on the small brewing sector, and consequently consumer choice. CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: “This research confirms a concern that CAMRA has had for some time – that in considering the reforms to Small Brewers’ Relief, the Treasury has not considered the acute access to market issues facing small brewers, and only relied on data about production costs. This could have a devastating impact for consumers choice if small brewers go bust or can’t grow in future. “Small Brewers’ Relief was introduced to help small brewers compete against much larger brewers in two ways – by addressing economies of scale in productions costs and to help compensate smaller brewers for the difficulties they had accessing a market largely foreclosed to them due to the dominance of global brewers and restrictive purchasing agreements that prevented tenants from buying beer from anyone except their brewery or pub company. "The situation for small brewers has not changed, and the pandemic has been devastating for them – with pubs shut, their man sales channel shut too. Global brewers now dominate the UK beer and pub market, and pub companies continue to prevent their tenants from buying beer from local and independent breweries. In light of this new research, CAMRA is calling on the Treasury to once again re-think these tax changes, before small brewers close and consumers lose out on choice." CAMRA’s submission to the Treasury’s technical consultation on changes to Small Brewers’ Relief is here: https://camra.org.uk/campaign_resources/submission-on-small-brewers-relief/ Professors Geoff Pugh and David Tyrrall’s academic research is available from SIBA on request: https://www.siba.co.uk/2021/07/21/small-independent-brewers-left-limbo-small-breweries-relief-changes/ https://www.siba.co.uk/2021/07/21/small-independent-brewers-left-limbo-small-breweries-relief-changes/

2021-07-17	SUPPORTING THE STEREOTYPE.
Given the recent furore over Brew Dog's management abilities, it should come as no shock that the Craft beer sector is a problem for women. A recent report on the BBC has highlighted the kinds of harassment women receive, not just from punters in a bar, but also if they work in a brewery. In the past there was criticism that Real Ale drinkers were old men in jumpers and sandals smoking pipes, but since the craze for Craft Brewers has exploded, the stereotype that has overtaken this, has been the one of traditional organisational problems. This state of affairs does nothing but continue the belief in the macho stereotype of beer drinkers.

2021-07-16	BEST OF THE BEST
CAMRA has announced its 32 best pubs in the UK. These will receive one of CAMRA's Golden Awards! As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, CAMRA is recognising people, groups of people or businesses that have made a significant contribution to CAMRA's aims, helping us get to where they are today. Winning pubs are chosen for their successes in standing the test of time, being convivial, characterful, community-focused, and consistently pouring great pints. Today they announced 32 pubs across the country who have won Golden Awards in their 'Pubs' category. The successful cohort includes five pubs that have appeared in all 48 editions of the Good Beer Guide, the longest standing community-owned pub in the country, and the current Pub of the Year title holder. Click here to view winners CAMRA are celebrating their anniversary throughout 2021, and want to take this opportunity to celebrate the successes of these pubs as well as CAMRA's achievements. This anniversary comes on the heels of an incredibly difficult time for the industry after a year of lockdowns and restrictions. The Golden Awards will be celebrating recipients in three different categories: 'Pubs', 'Pints', and 'People'. The winners in the 'Pints' and 'People' categories will be announced later in the year. Local presentation events are in the process of being arranged, so keep an eye out for events in your area! CAMRA is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2021, with a host of activity including a new biography 50 Years of CAMRA, awards for campaigners, pubs and breweries, virtual festivals, and commemorative merchandise.

2021-07-06	GREEN BEER.
A craft brewery in Australia is using algae to cut their CO2 emissions. Young Henrys from Sydney are trying to capture and clean the CO2 emissions from their fermenting beer. Usually they just release it into the atmosphere, as is normal in the industry. Partnered with climate change scientists, Young Henrys have developed a way to use micro-algae to capture that CO2, and turn it into oxygen. The brewers estimate their algae releases as much oxygen as two hectares of bushland.

2021-06-29	THE MUTT'S BOTTOM
Brewdog has been in the news a lot lately, particularly for their poor staff relation, now they are pushing false prize claims. A winner of one of Brewdog's "solid gold" beer cans has asked the advertising watchdog to investigate its claim the prize is worth GBP15,000. The Scottish firm offered 10 people the chance to find a gold can hidden in a case of its Punk IPA beer. Some winners questioned the worth after discovering the cans are gold plated, and one has asked the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to probe whether any rules were broken.

2021-05-10	WHAT TO DO?
A cross-party group of MPs wants to know what the Government should be doing to promote the future of pubs as the heart of communities, and what support the trade will need to thrive through reopening and beyond. The All Party Parliamentary Pub Group (Pubs APPG) brings together Members of Parliament from all parties and all parts of the UK and campaigns to protect and promote the great British local. While Brits usually flock to the pub over Bank Holiday weekends, trade this year will be severely affected – even for pubs that can currently open. The BBPA estimates that pubs missed out on selling 85 million pints over the recent Easter Bank Holiday alone. Now the Pubs APPG is launching an inquiry into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pubs and people to assess the impact of the restrictions of the pandemic and to seek views from landlords, staff and pub-goers about the effects of lockdowns, tier restrictions and support packages on pubs’ prospects for the future – as well as the human impact on licensees, bar staff and consumers who haven’t been able to get down the pub for months during the pandemic. In addition to holding evidence sessions with MPs, the group wants to hear from as many landlords, pub staff and pub-goers as possible about the importance of pubs and what the Government needs to be doing to support them, so they don’t have to close their doors for good as a result of the COVID crisis. Evidence can be submitted on the Pubs APPG website at www.apppg.camra.org.uk and will be used by MPs to produce recommendations to the Government about what action needs to be taken to help pubs survive ongoing restrictions in the next few weeks and months, as well as longer term measures to support the industry in the future. Launching the inquiry, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Pubs Group Charlotte Nichols MP said: “It’s been over a year since pubs first closed to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We know that the pandemic has had a massive effect on the people who run pubs, and the communities around them. “The Pubs APPG wants to listen to the people who have made pubs the heart of so many communities. We hope that everyone, from licensees who run a small village pub to national trade organisations, will get involved and make their voices heard.” Nik Antona, Chair of the Campaign for Real Ale which is supporting the All Party Parliamentary Pub Group’s inquiry commented: “As consumers, we have all missed being able to visit our locals. CAMRA believes that pubs play a vital role in tackling loneliness and social isolation – and we want to play our part in ensuring that pubs can survive the pandemic and thrive in the future. “I would urge anyone who cares about pubs to take part in the Pubs APPG inquiry and share their views on the impact of the pandemic on pubs, and what the Government should do to help them thrive in the future.”

2021-03-25	TAXING TIMES
MPs showed support for long-term reforms and COVID support packages to help pubs and brewers during a Parliamentary debate last night (24 March 2021), including CAMRA's proposal for a preferential rate of duty for draught beer. MPs were debating support for the hospitality industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, with Parliamentarians from all corners of the UK taking part. Selaine Saxby MP for North Devon, who secured the debate, said in her opening remarks that "a draught beer duty would be targeted, quickly-actioned support, and could play a crucial role in stopping so many of our vibrant pubs and other hospitality businesses from going under". Her support for a new draught beer duty rate, which CAMRA has long campaigned for, was echoed by MPs from throughout the UK. MPs also called for more support for brewers during the lockdown restrictions. Charlotte Nichols MP, Chair of the Pubs APPG, said that the loss of trade for brewers due to closed pubs "represents 10 years of lost growth for the sector", and called for more compensation and support to help them recover. Speaking after the debate, CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: "We were thrilled to see so many MPs from all parties and across the nations of the UK take part in the debate last night, displaying just how important pubs, clubs and breweries are within the hospitality industry and wider communities. They not only boost local economies and create jobs, but are also a key part of our social fabric, tackling loneliness and social isolation. "It is clear that there is support across parties for further support to help pubs, clubs and brewers recover from the effects of this crisis, and that there is strong support for a preferential rate of duty for draught beer. "Further support for our brewers is a must - they have been denied a dedicated support package so far, and we were pleased that several MPs called on the Government to reverse plans to change Small Brewers Relief, which would cause small businesses to pay more tax. This would be a devastating blow, at what is already a time of great financial uncertainty, and we thank the MPs who raised this. "Some provisions were made to help the industry during the Chancellor's Budget earlier this month, including the 5% VAT rate being extended until September, and we would like to see this extended further - pubs have not benefitted thus far from the 5% rate due to closures, and will not have long to benefit once restrictions lift. The VAT cut must also include alcohol, in order to help wet-led pubs and social clubs. "Thank you to all the MPs who took part in the debate. The industry needs more support to ensure it can not only survive, but thrive once restrictions are lifted. The impact of the pandemic on pubs, clubs, and the brewers and cider makers that supply them, will continue to be felt long beyond reopening, and it is vital that this is reflected in the steps taken by Government."

2021-03-17	BUDGET HELP
Camra's National Chairman Nik Antona has responded to the budget with the following statement: “Freezing alcohol duty is obviously better than a rise. However, CAMRA had hoped to see the Chancellor announce a cut in duty on beer served on tap in pubs and social clubs to benefit consumers and help the great British pub recover and thrive in the difficult months and years ahead by being able to compete with supermarket alcohol. “The Government’s commitment to review alcohol duties in the coming months is welcome. CAMRA will continue to call for a lower rate of duty for beer served in pubs – an option available to the Government now we have left the European Union. “Reducing tax on beer served in pubs and social clubs would encourage responsible drinking in a supervised, community setting – as well as boosting jobs and local economies, helping consumers and benefiting pubs and licensees.” On financial support announced, Nik commented: “Cutting VAT as pubs begin to reopen, and reducing it until April next year, means they can now start benefiting from that cut – but CAMRA believes this VAT cut should be extended to alcohol so that traditional locals that don’t serve food can benefit too. “The extension of furlough until September and new grants of up to £18,000 are very welcome. However, pubs are unlikely to be able to fully reopen at pre-COVID trading levels due to outside space and then table service only indoors restrictions. The beer and pubs sector will need further support over the coming months, over and above new loans, to help them get back on their feet until there is a full and proper re-opening and they can trade at full capacity. “Extending the business rates holiday until the end of June will help keep the wolves from the door for many English pubs, with the two-thirds reduction for the rest of the financial year a welcome step. However, given how tough it will be for many pubs we believe the 100% cut in business rates needs to be extended for a full 12 months as has already happened in Scotland.”

2021-02-27	REVENUE STREAM
A group of Conservative MPs is calling for a reduction in the tax paid on beer in next week's Budget to reverse a decline in Pub's finances. Any cut in beer duty would support pubs that have struggled during the pandemic.

2021-02-19	AYE AYE CAPTAIN
The well known Captain Cook pub in Middlesbrough is in need of half a million pounds worth of restoration. The Grade II listed Captain Cook pub was built in 1893 and has been named by the Victorian Society as one of the country's most endangered buildings. Middlesbrough Council said urgent works were needed if it was to "survive" impact from nearby construction. The council's executive will consider the plan on 23 February.

2021-02-14	WHAT IS IN A NAME?
What is in a name? Apparently a lot according to Greene King. It has renamed four of its pubs over concerns they had racist connotations, with names like 'The Black Boy', and another called 'The Black's Head'.

2021-02-10	PROBABLY THE WORST JOB IN THE WORLD
Beer giant Heineken has announced plans to cut nearly 10% of its workforce after a sharp drop in sales due to the coronavirus pandemic. 8,000 jobs are to go across the company.

2021-02-04	CAMRA VERITE
As we prepare to celebrate CAMRA's 50th anniversary this year, I would like to take the opportunity to announce some exciting changes to your monthly newspaper. The printed edition of What's Brewing has been a staple of CAMRA campaigning since our founding, bringing news and campaigns to beer and pub lovers across the UK. Yet as we enter a new digital age - propelled at high speed thanks to COVID-19 - it has become clear that our members need more news that is faster to their doorstep and better connected to their local area. What's Brewing will therefore evolve from a monthly printed publication to a new and improved digital platform to bring you the news you really want - when you want it. From May 2021 we plan to have the following web developments in place: A new look and feel platform with the most recent content and stories front and centre, easy to search for articles, greater ability to share video, audio and imagery and full mobile optimisation. A log-in function that will allow you to select the stories you want to hear about the most - whether that's AGM updates, brewery news or localised information from your region. A tailored newsletter to keep you updated on the news however frequently it suits you, and a new social media stream so that you know when news stories go live as they're published. Involving more local volunteer writers to help us create more content and bridge the gap between local and national CAMRA campaigning and news. As a result, the last monthly printed edition of What's Brewing will be the April edition, landing on doorsteps from 17 March onwards. For those of you who still like a paper version, you will be pleased to hear that BEER magazine will continue to be published in both printed and digital format four times a year. From the Autumn 2021 issue onwards, BEER magazine will also include a new eight-page What's Brewing section, which will help you keep up-to-date with CAMRA news, opinions and analysis in a printed edition each quarter. The What's Brewing print-to-digital project is just one of the decisions that has been taken to make CAMRA's campaigns more well-resourced and agile to save more pubs, clubs, breweries and cider producers in these challenging times. The CAMRA team has worked hard to develop a range of digital materials to meet the challenges brought about by COVID-19. From our newly enhanced Learn & Discover platform to the highly popular podcast Pubs, Pints, People, the Red (On)Lion virtual pub and the Brew2You app, we are working hard to ensure that more membership benefits are all available at the touch of a fingertip. We are of course aware that however necessary these changes are to safeguard the future of CAMRA, they will undoubtedly sadden some members. The move from paper to digital news content is the responsible action to take and has been in the making for several years. By switching printed production of What's Brewing to a fully dynamic and integrated digital platform, we will be saving the Campaign GBP130K per annum - and all savings will be re-invested straight back into our campaigning objectives. If you would like to find out more about this decision, the timeline for changes, web platform improvements or how best to get involved as a volunteer writer, you can more information and a full Q&A page on the CAMRA website. Any comments or feedback can also be submitted over email. Please bear in mind that unless you have a specific question that is not answered in our Q&As, the staff team will not be responding to individual comments. They will, however, collate all feedback for the volunteer leadership's review

2020-11-11	GUINNESS - BE GOOD TO ME
Guinness has had to recall its alcohol-free beer not long after it launched it. The problems stems from a possible microbiological contamination.

2020-08-11	GBBF ONLINE ONLY.
The Great British Beer Festival is going virtual! 11-13 September 2020 For the first time ever, you can join in the fun at CAMRA's iconic event from the comfort of your own home, for a weekend of live beer tastings and recorded events including tours of breweries and hop farms, virtual Q&As and a pub quiz. It has been an incredibly difficult year for many due to COVID-19, but they're looking forward to celebrating the very best beers that Britain has to offer in true GBBF style. Mark your calendar for a weekend of fun, friendship, and of course, great beer. There are 500 tickets now on sale for 46 GBP each - don't miss out on getting yours. What to expect at the virtual Great British Beer Festival... Live beer tastings Live beer tastings will be taking place every day, running from 2pm-9.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tastings will be led by experts such as Roger Protz, Christine Cryne and Adrian Tierney-Jones. Tasting box options range from golden beers, to bitters and a cider & perry set! Every ticket purchase includes a 2020 festival glass, plus 11 beers/ciders & perries for you to take part in two of the tastings. Recorded events In addition to the tastings, there will be pre-recorded 'events' for visitors to dip into. These include tours and Q&As at: - Charles Faram hop farm - Crisp Malt maltings - Harvey's Brewery - Little Pomona Orchard - Plus a pub quiz Visit the Virtual GBBF 2020 site todays

2020-08-08	WHAT A LOOKER!
Entries are now being sought for two prestigious CAMRA awards - the Pub Design Awards and the Pub Saving Awards! Do you think your local deserves to be celebrated for its beautiful design? Or do you know a community group that has fought tooth and nail to save their local from closure? Anyone can submit a pub into the Pub Design Awards - as long as it has a stunning design to showcase. The Pub Design Awards, held in conjunction with Historic England, recognise the highest standards of pub design, in categories ranging from the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs to the construction of new ones. Judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, they showcase the very best architectural projects completed between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020. This year's categories include: -Historic England's Conservation Award - given for work which conserves and enhances what is good in a historic pub. -Refurbishment Award - given for a successful makeover of a pub. Judges are looking for work which reflects the building's individual qualities, rather than something that looks like lots of others. -Conversion to Pub Use Award - given for a project which sees a building designed for some other use converted to a pub. The judges are looking for imagination and flair in the conversion. -New Build Award - given to a completely new pub. Judges are looking for individuality, rather than 'off the peg' design. -Community Local Award - judges are looking for projects that have given a new lease of life on 'ordinary street-corner locals'. Do you know of a pub that fits the bill, and deserves recognition for its stunning design? Applications close on 30 September 2020, so make sure you get your nominations in by using the link below.

2020-07-15	SUMMER OF PUB.
Responding to the Chancellor of the Exchequer' Summer Economic Update, CAMRA's Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: "While a six-month cut in VAT for food served in pubs and the 'Eat Out to Help Out' voucher scheme in August is welcomed, we are concerned that pubs have been left behind by the Chancellor's statement, which contained little support for community pubs. It is also disappointing to see no direct support for independent brewers and producers, who will not benefit from a VAT cut that specifically excludes beer and cider. "CAMRA will continue to campaign for greater support for all pubs - including those that don't serve food. We are calling for long-term support measures - business rate reform and a tax reduction for draught beer - to encourage people back to the supervised setting of the community pub. "Lockdown has shown just how valuable our pubs are to local communities and the pivotal role they play in tackling loneliness and social isolation. It is absolutely right that they receive extra support during the difficult months ahead to ensure their continued survival."

2020-06-29	SIT OUTSIDE IT IS SUMMER
Responding to the publication of UK Government legislation to help pubs in England and Wales by allowing them to use outdoor space for extra seating, CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: "Pub goers and beer and cider drinkers will welcome this announcement which will help make sure pubs, when they reopen, can survive and thrive by making the most of outdoor space for extra al-fresco seating. "This will make a huge difference to the viability of our well-loved community pubs which are a vital part of our social fabric, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. "CAMRA will be working to make sure pub goers using outdoor seating at our locals do so safely, responsibly and considerately. "We are also calling on all local councils to make sure applications to use outside space are dealt with quickly and don't come with a huge price tag in terms of application fees. "We are also urging the Government to make sure a second wave of financial support is available, especially for pubs that can't re-open or who will be operating at a massively reduced trade because they don't have any suitable outside space they can use."

2020-06-28	SUPPORT YOUR PUB
CAMRA has started a campaign to save and protect pubs and breweries as part of their Pulling Together campaign. They continue to lobby government and collaborate with industry partners while launching initiatives like the Brew2You takeaway/collection beer app and website, and The Red (On)Lion virtual pub. Since the government announced pubs could reopen with certain guidelines followed, CAMRA has argued there needs to be continual momentum to support the full reopening of pubs. With that in mind they have asked members to download and print an A4 poster and display it in front windows to show support for pubs.

2020-06-26	GRAND REOPENING
Responding to the Prime Minister's announcement on the reopening of pubs in England from 4 July, Tom Stainer, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said: "Getting down to the pub for a pint with friends and family has been one of the things people have missed the most during lockdown, so it is fantastic news that people in England can start returning to their locals from 4 July. "Understandably, this comes with a responsibility to do so safely and responsibly in line with the government's guidance. CAMRA is urging all pub-goers to follow the rules so that they can keep themselves, other pub-goers, and bar staff safe. "On recording customer details to help testing and tracing, this seems to be above and beyond what is being asked of other types of businesses. The Government need to make sure that this doesn't disadvantage pubs and that the privacy of pub-goers is properly protected. "Not being able to go to our local has made us realise just how important pubs are to communities, and in tackling loneliness and social isolation. That is why we need a second wave of financial support to ensure that all pubs - both those operating at reduced trade and those that cannot open safely"

2020-06-25	DRUNK IN THE SEWER
Water authorities are asking publicans not to tip their old stale beer down the drain in case it gets the waste friendly microbes at the water works drunk'. Bugs that help to clean sewage could become 'impaired' if too much old beer is tipped down the drain. Water companies are asking pubs to call them before disposing of beer that has gone off while venues were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grant Mitchell, from Severn Trent, said pouring away large quantities of ale presented potential pollution and flooding problems, and also affected the ability of bacteria breaking down waste in the sewage system to do their job.

2020-05-23	SPOONS
JD Wetherspoon's has outlined plans for reopening pubs once lockdown restrictions are eased. This will involve staff wearing face masks and protective eyewear. They will still be serving food, but will run a reduced food menu. The cost for this will initially be £11m for the new measures to protect drinkers and its workers. Under the new rules, there will be hand sanitiser stations throughout, including for customers. Customers will also be asked to use the firm's app to order and pay, though contactless at the bar is. Diners will no longer share bottles of ketchup but use individual sachets. Wetherspoon's has also suggested customers will be encouraged to sit outside in pub gardens, though not many of the pubs have these, especially in city centres. To counter this, some indoor seating areas will be separated by Perspex screens.

2020-05-10	ONLINE BEER SALES SPIKE AS BRITS PREPARE FOR A LOCKDOWN BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Following the launch of a new beer delivery app Brew2You yesterday (6 May), more than 5,000 users flooded the platform to get their beer ordered in time for the bank holiday weekend. The app, which is currently available on iOS, allows customers to search for and purchase beer and cider sold directly from more than 400 pubs, clubs, breweries and cider producers trying to stay afloat during the Coronavirus lockdown. Developed by the Campaign for Real Ale, the new platform has received widespread support with endorsement from the British Institute of Innkeepers (BII), the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Cask Marque. CAMRA is now calling on beer and cider lovers to use the app to support small businesses which will help the industry re-open once the crisis passes. CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: "The Brew2You app is a lifeline for an industry that has been devastated by the current lockdown measures. Hundreds, if not thousands of pubs and breweries risk permanent closure the longer the lockdown measures carry on. "Many breweries have had to very quickly change their business model from selling to pubs to consumers directly, and this is one way to help them to get their product to market. "We want to make it as easy as possible for pub-goers and beer lovers to access locally produced artisan beers, ciders and perries during lockdown to keep struggling businesses afloat. It's fantastic to see such a huge take up for the platform in just 24 hours, which demonstrates the real appetite and support out there for the nation’s producers and pubs." Charlie Farman of Shropshire's Hobson Brewery said: "The lockdown measures have had a huge impact on us - we usually sell directly to pubs and have had to rapidly change our business model to sell to customers direct. "While we have been facilitating this through local deliveries on a phone in basis, the app has really taken this to a national level. We've been pleasantly surprised by the response in just 24 hours - it‘s helped us get our product out to a wider audience and raise awareness of our brand to help keep orders coming in." Paula Wise of Wise Owl Ltd Cider in Kent says: "We've had seven orders on opening day which is a real godsend for a small business like ourselves. We are a husband and wife team, so we don't have a big marketing budget like other companies. However, we have won a number of awards and make some really great Kentish cider. Brew2You has opened up so many more doors for us and increasing our profile at a time when we need it the most." Brew2You is available to download on iOS devices. The Android app is currently under review, but customers can download the app from the website and sideload or sign up to be notified when the Android app is released by visiting https://brew2you.co.uk/

2020-05-08	ORDER FRESH LOCAL BEER TO YOUR DOOR WITH JUST THE CLICK OF A BUTTON
The Campaign for Real Ale has launched a new app to help customers purchase fresh local beer and cider from pubs, breweries and cider producers hoping to stay afloat during the lockdown. The Brew2You app provides a shop window for the thousands of local businesses currently offering beer and cider through takeaway or delivery services. Customers can easily search for their favourite drink within their local area and order it to their door with just a click of a button. Over 300 pubs and breweries are now listed via the platform, which has been launched as part of CAMRA’s Pulling Together campaign to support the industry during this difficult time. It has received widespread support across the industry with endorsements from Cask Marque, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), who have also encouraged their members to sign up. Nik Antona, CAMRA’s National Chairman said: “With the nation’s pubs closed for the foreseeable future, it is imperative that we do whatever we can to support these local businesses. “The Brew2You app is a really easy way to get that beer out to customers. Many pubs and breweries are already offering takeaway and delivery services during the lockdown, and this helps customers find locally produced, quality brews with just a click of a button. “The longer the lockdown lasts the harder hit our pubs and breweries will be and the more we risk many closing their doors for good. We urge beer and cider lovers to shop local and support the great beer and pubs trade using Brew2You so that we still have pubs and breweries at the other end of the crisis.” Paul Nunny, Director of Cask Marque said: “Well done to CAMRA for taking the lead in supporting?breweries and pubs with this new consumer app. This is a great way for beer drinkers to support local businesses and help them in these difficult times so that they will be here to serve them once life returns to some form of normality. The app has the added advantage of allowing drinkers to enjoy some great beers.” James Calder, SIBA Chief Executive said: “SIBA are delighted to be working with CAMRA to promote the amazing beers available from independent breweries across Great Britain. With pubs and bars closed, breweries are putting more beer into bottles and cans than ever before and launching local delivery and takeaway services too – the Brew2You app helps beer lovers find the best beer from small independent craft breweries in their local area. Not only is it great for consumers as they can get the freshest, tastiest beer available near to them, but they will be helping a local independent business survive during these difficult times.” Brew2You, which is available to download on Apple and Android*, has been set up by CAMRA so that suppliers receive the full price charged for their products, without any commission charged to them. A small fee for use is charged to cover the Stripe payment service. To find out more, visit https://brew2you.co.uk/ To become a partner and list your beer and cider visit https://brew2you.co.uk/become-a-partner *The Android app is currently under review due to Google’s adjusted work schedules at this time.

2020-05-01
As the nation’s pub-goers face uncertainty on the re-opening of our beloved locals, they are invited to ‘tour’ the nation’s best-looking pubs as CAMRA announces the winners of its prestigious Pub Design Awards. CAMRA has put together a photo collection of this year’s winners, which include a canal side newbuild reflecting the architectural heritage of industrial Swindon, a Lancashire pub that has reopened after 105 years, a bustling tap-house in Shropshire and 150-year-old pub that was saved by the local community. In line with current social distancing measures, winners will be recognised at an event hosted in CAMRA’s new virtual pub, the Red (On)Lion, by judges at 7pm on 7th May. To join the event and congratulate the pub owners and designers, simply Visit to book a place. Pub goers can digitally ‘visit’ the pubs by browsing the CAMRA library of the winners, available to view on Dropbox. Winners this year include: The Hall & Woodhouse, Swindon (New Build Award) – Built as part of the Wichelstowe housing expansion, it occupies a prominent canal side site in the town centre and is an important asset for the emerging community. Plau, Preston (Conversion Award) – Originally built in 1668 as a butcher’s shop, it was converted into a pub in 1795 however it closed in 1913. It finally re-opened as a pub after a gap of 105 years in 2018. The Zetland, Middlesbrough (Historic England Conservation Award) – Originally built in 1860, it was painstakingly restored in 2017, which included sourcing custom-made tiles from the very firm that created tiles for the pub over 120 years ago. The Farmers Arms, Woolfardisworthy, Devon (Refurbishment Award joint winner) – having served as a public house for much of the building’s 300-year life, new owners have restored the pub its former glory, retaining its unique character. The Peterborough Arms, Dauntsey Lock, Wiltshire (Refurbishment Award joint winner) – Built as a farmhouse in the late 18th century. Having previously being declared an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and taken on by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, six volunteers began work on its restoration in 2015. It finally reopened in late 2018, with volunteer hours in excess of 10,000! The Shakespeare, Bridgnorth (Joe Goodwin Award for best street-corner local) – a tap–house with beer truly at the heart, with preserved log burners and bespoke stained-glass windows adding to the pub’s character. Also highly commended for Conversion was the Old Mill Bar in Leek, a former textile mill whose conversion saw the whole interior stripped back to the original Victorian brickwork of the former mill. Andrew Davison, chair of CAMRA’s Pub Design Award judging panel, said: “In these uncertain and worrying times for pubs, we are delighted to be celebrating the stunning, eclectic range of architecture and design preserved in these institutions. “Some of these pubs have been used in that capacity for hundreds of years, demonstrating not only their tenacity and endurance, but also the necessity of the pub to the British way of life. We hope that all will be able to endure the current crisis, and that patrons will be able to celebrate their achievement in person once the restrictions have lifted. “We had a tough time narrowing it down to these six exemplary pubs – congratulations to them all!” These awards are celebrated as CAMRA is underway with its #PullingTogether campaign, highlighting the initiatives pubs and breweries are using to keep themselves afloat during the coronavirus lockdown. Learn more at camra.org.uk/pullingtogether

2020-04-26	AN OCEAN OF DROP
CAMRA comment on new figures showing an 82% drop in beer sales during COVID-19 crisis. Commenting on new SIBA figures showing craft beer sales have dropped 82% during the COVID-19 lockdown, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: “The stark figures released by SIBA, which show an 82% drop in craft beer sales since the COVID-19 crisis began, highlights the devastating impact that lockdown is having on the brewing industry. “Whilst we have seen an explosion in the brewing industry over recent years, this sombre report is a strong warning that the industry will not emerge unchanged from this crisis. Without swift and substantial support, consumer choice will be hard-hit after the lockdown passes. “Much more needs to be done to support brewers during this time. With their route to markets all but blocked through pub closures, we need to ensure that brewers have the same access to business rate reliefs, loans and grants that is currently available for pubs. We’d also like to see beer duty payments deferred and licensing laws relaxed so that brewers and pubs that only have on sale licenses can sell to the off trade during the crisis. “Beer drinkers also have a vital role to play in sustaining the breweries they love. We encourage customers to source their beer locally and directly from brewers. CAMRA now has over 2,000 breweries, cideries and pubs offering takeaway and delivery services listed on its Pulling Together page to make this as easy as possible for consumers – simply visit to find out how you can support a brewer near you.” To find out more, visit www.camra.org.uk/pullingtogether/

2020-04-25	OH IT HURTS.
In response to Professor Chris Whitty’s comments that social distancing will be needed until at least the end of 2020, Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s Chief Executive said: “The pub industry was one of the first to be affected by the lockdown and it is likely to be one of the last to have restrictions lifted. “This is having a hugely devastating impact not only on local businesses and jobs but on the breweries and cider producers that sell their products through pubs. “The Government needs to recognise the impact of an extended lockdown on these businesses and confirm that the support package in place is extended until all restrictions are lifted. It must also consider a support package for pubs, breweries and cideries after they are able to re-open, in recognition that it will take many months for businesses to recover fully.”

2020-04-24	SURVIVAL MODE
During this lockdown period and the social distancing regulation that will follow, pub landlords will need to turn to customers to survive. Some pubs and restaurants in the UK are turning to crowdfunding websites to survive the lockdown by asking for pledges up to £30,000 to get trough having no customers and still be able to open later in the year. A look at sites like Crowdfunder or GoFundMe, shows that pubs are getting creative to stay afloat.

2020-04-14	TUNE IN, CHILL OUT.
Today CAMRA are introducing the first official CAMRA podcast: 'Pubs. Pints. People'. Every Tuesday, you can tune in on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to learn more about the beer, cider, pub and club industry. Each episode delves into a different topic - from beer writing to an introduction to cider - and includes two interviews with experts in the field, as well as a dive into the What's Brewing archives to source exciting stories from the past. In the first episode, hosts Katie Wiles, Ant Fiorillo and Matt Bundy will talk you through the 'unsung heroes of the beer industry' by looking at brewery roles that have nothing to do with making beer itself. They'll be sitting down with David Bremner of Robinsons' Brewery to talk about their partnership with Iron Maiden and Ben Watson of Beavertown Brewery to learn what a 'sensory lead' brewery role looks like. Listen Now

2020-04-09	THE ONLINE PUB
CAMRA are asking if you will join them for a pint in their virtual pub - the Red (On)Lion? With it being difficult to visit your favourite local, CAMRA has created a new online pub which opens its doors 24/7. The virtual pub is a video chat platform that allows you to join its public bar, where everyone can join the conversation, or you can reserve your own private table, share drinks and chat with friends and family. And just like a real pub they are putting on a range of events - whether its pub quizzes, live music or tutored beer tastings, they will all be on offer at the Red (On)Lion to help you through the next few weeks as we all stay at home. Check out the events that are already planned - or add and advertise online events of your own here: Visit The Red Lion

2020-03-24	CLOSED FOR BUSINESS
Following the Government closure of all social gatherings during the Coronavirus outbreak, CAMRA has partnered with the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Crowdfunder to help pubs, clubs, breweries, taprooms and cider producers during these difficult times. CAMRA is inviting pubs, brewers and cider makers to get involved, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is encouraging independent breweries to sign up, and Crowdfunder is helping these pubs and breweries tap into their community for financial help to weather the crisis. Pubs, brewers and taprooms can submit initiatives by visiting www.camra.org.uk/pullingtogether/ – an online platform where the public can also visually search for initiatives near them. CAMRA is also concerned about the impact of social isolation and distancing at a time when people need it most, and has also set up an online Facebook group for the public called Pulling Together for Pubs, Pints & People, where it hopes to host virtual pub quizzes, beer o’clock and other virtual events. CAMRA’s National Chairman Nik Antona said: “These are unprecedented times in the brewing, cider and pub industry, and it is now that we all have to pull together to help keep the UK’s producers and pubs afloat. “Pubs and breweries need our help now more than ever – without a strong show of support from local communities, many are destined for permanent closure.” SIBA’s Chief Executive James Calder said: “This is the single biggest threat to the beer and pubs industry in a lifetime and we are doing everything we can to help pubs, independent breweries, and supplier companies weather the storm and come out the other side. We are delighted to be working with CAMRA on this cross-industry campaign and would encourage every brewery in the UK to get involved and engage with people in their local area keen to support them. Independent breweries are embedded in their communities and keeping that link between people and their local brewery taproom or pub during the Coronavirus outbreak is hugely important.” CAMRA will also be working with Crowdfunder to promote opportunities for the brewing and pubs industry to tap into local funding during the period of crisis to tide them over. The idea is simple, breweries and pubs that will be suffering from closure and drastically reduced trade about their future can set-up a Pay it Forward campaign offering customers the option to pay for pints, meals and tickets now, which can be redeemed in the future. Rob Love, Founder and CEO of Crowdfunder explains: “This is a really difficult time for everyone and there are lots of different things people are worried about including their jobs. One thing people can do, if they can afford it, is support local businesses. Through Pay it Forward, we are committed to throwing Crowdfunder’s resources behind keeping business alive through this crisis.” To find out more, visit www.camra.org.uk/pullingtogether/ or search on social media using the hashtag #pullingtogether

2020-03-24	GIS A JOB
The boss of the Wetherspoon pub chain has said its staff can take jobs with supermarkets amid the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Tim Martin told 40,000 workers in a video that they should feel free to take jobs at retailers such as Tesco while Wetherspoon pubs remain closed. He said: “If you’re offered a job… if you think it’s a good idea, do it.” In the video, he called the government proposals “great, because we currently have no money coming in through the tills. That’s not something we had ever planned for.” The government has said it will pay 80% of salary for workers at firms such as Wetherspoon affected by Covid-19. All of Wetherspoon's 850 UK pubs were closed over the weekend after the government introduced new measures to try to stop the spread of Covid-19. However, Mr Martin cited concerns that there could be some delay to the payment of any wage subsidy. In the video, he said he would therefore “completely understand” if workers did not want “to wait around”. He added that any former workers for the pub chain would receive first priority on future applications to rejoin the company. Mr Martin said that “almost all of our trade has now gone to supermarkets”, as demand for food surges as a result of the coronavirus crisis. “We’ve had lots of calls from supermarkets, Tesco alone want to recruit more than 20,000 people - more than half the number of people who work at our pubs,” he added. Mr Martin was previously resistant to government advice to consumers on avoiding pubs before more formal measures on closures were introduced. Last week, he branded a shutdown in the face of coronavirus "over the top".

2020-03-23	CAMRA RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT MEASURES
Following the Chancellor’s announced measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, please find below comment from CAMRA’s National Chairman, Nik Antona: “The Government’s announced measures to mitigate the devasting impact of COVID-19 do not go far enough in ensuring no pub, club or brewery goes out of business as a result of the current crisis. “While a business rate holiday for all hospitality businesses and rate relief for eligible pubs will help alleviate some costs, this will do little to compensate for the potential collapse of cashflow in businesses which customers have been told to stay away from. Making loans to businesses with no money coming in and multiple overheads to meet through a period of no, or low trading, is simply kicking the can down the road. “We would urge additional measures to cover all liabilities, however long the restrictions on pubs, to ensure these vital businesses can emerge unsaddled by debt and able to deliver the many benefits to the communities they serve.”

2020-03-21	DOWN THE DRAIN
There may be some heavy hearts in Somerset as a brewery suggests it will throw nearly 3,000 gallons of real ale down the drain as no one wants to buy it from them. The Severn Brewery in Tortworth near Bristol, has found orders have dried up, but does not want to pour it away. Instead they have asked the public if they will order it online for delivery. Unfortunately, it is only local delivery, from South Worcestershire to North Somerset; but it might be worth asking your local if they need a hand getting rid of their ale. The hope is that a home delivery service will keep the brewery afloat. They are sitting on £20,000 worth of cask ale stock.

2020-03-20	CAMRA CANCELS ALL BEER FESTIVALS UNTIL THE END OF JUNE.
The Campaign for Real Ale, which runs over 180 local beer festivals across the country, has cancelled all events - including local beer festivals - planned between now and the end of June following recent government advice on mass gathering. All physical events, festivals and meetings, from branch to national levels, have been cancelled for an initial three-month period, with further cancellations to be considered regularly as the situation evolves. Nik Antona, CAMRA National Chairman said: "While we understand the important social benefits of CAMRA and the huge pleasure in pub going, we feel it would be highly irresponsible to continue to promote gatherings of people in pubs - both of which have been advised against by the Government. We will, of course, be looking into what campaigning measure we can take to help support the British beer and pub industry during this unsettling time - and would repeat our calls for the Government to put together a support package to support the pub and brewery trade during this period." Notable events that have been cancelled include the inaugural Great Welsh Beer Festival, which was to make its debut in Cardiff from 22-25 April, as well as the Members' Weekend, Conference and AGM due to take place in York from 3-5 April. CAMRA's flagship festival, the Great British Beer Festival, is currently under review as it is due to take place at Olympia, London from 4-8 August. Nik Antona said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel a total of 45 beer festivals between now and the end of June. Every beer festival is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, and we deeply appreciate their hard work and support during this difficult time. "While current Government advice is that all social gatherings should be avoided in the short term, we'd like to encourage all beer-lover and pub-goers to investigate ways to continue supporting the industry, whether that be ordering their brews online from independent retailers or supporting pub crowdfunding campaigns to keep afloat." More information on CAMRA events and activity will be provided as the situation unfolds.

2020-03-19	AVOID THE PUB!
Responding to the Prime Minister's calls for the public to avoid pubs and other social outlets during the COVID-19 outbreak, CAMRA's National Chairman Nik Antona said: "Pubs are at the heart of many communities and often provide other vital services. The advice from the Government for people to avoid pubs will have a devastating effect on the pub and brewing industry, the many millions of people it employs and the huge contribution it makes to local and national economies. The lack of decisive instruction from the Government leaves pubs in a limbo where customers will abandon them, but they'll be unable to claim insurance or other support to help them survive. The Government has not defined how long people should stay away from pubs, but be in no doubt, within a short time many pubs and breweries will close and never reopen to serve their communities. "If the Government believes people should not go to pubs, it needs to show leadership by clearly telling pubs to close their doors - and not unfairly leave it up to licensees to make an impossible decision. It needs to makes it clear for how long a period the enforced closure should last, and quickly deliver a package of support to see pubs and breweries through until they can again deliver the host of benefits pubs bring to the communities they serve. "This should include, but not be limited to: extending business rate relief to all pubs, regardless of rateable value; deferring or forgiving VAT payments; covering staff salaries; allowing pubs to stay open if they provide other vital community services such as post office facilities; and helping pubs recover at the end of the crisis by introducing a differential rate of duty on draught beer served in pubs. "We'd also call on pub companies to support their tenants by giving them a rent holiday during the crisis and particularly during any forced closure. Other suppliers such as sports TV providers could also demonstrate their support of the pub industry by giving a payment holiday."

2020-03-05	CAMRA CALLS ON LOCAL MPS TO BACK SPECIFIC DUTY CUT
Ahead of the UK budget on 11th March, CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is calling on Northern Ireland's MPs to back its radical proposal to save pubs from extinction. The proposal, a preferential rate of duty for draught beer, is specifically targeted at beer served on tap in pubs. Commenting on the proposal Chair of CAMRA NI Ruth Sloan said: "CAMRA's proposals to cut tax on draught beer is specifically targeted at helping pubs. "While other taxes such as business rates are devolved to the Executive here, this is a measure which will have an impact on pubs across the UK. "By supporting a tax reduction for beer served on tap, MPs would be promoting drinking in the supervised setting of the community pub rather than promoting cheap booze served in supermarkets. "This proposal would be a lifeline for pubs across Northern Ireland, which are currently fighting for their survival. Keeping pubs open, alive and thriving as community assets is also vital in the fight to tackle loneliness and social isolation. "That's why we are calling on MPs of all parties to make their voices heard and back this measure."

2020-03-04	GROUNDED AND LOST
Today the Lost and Grounded brewery was ordered to desist in using its children's story inspired artwork by the Alcohol Trading Body. Under law, a "drink's name, its packaging and any promotional material or activity should not have a particular appeal to under-18s." This arose after a single complaint was received by the body. The complaint suggested the brewery's branding was similar to art seen in 'Where the Wild Things Are'. The belief was that it would appeal to children due to the child-like branding. One of the founders, Alex Troncoso suggested such a regime is flawed if a single complaint can lead to banning. As such the brewery has suggested it will not comply with the request, which would affect some 131 bars/outlets who sell their canned produsts. At present the complaint only affects the Running with Sceptres pale ale. The brewery based in Brislington has been using such designs since 2016 without complaint. Ms Clements from the brewery, said "This has the potential to cause significant financial damage to our small, independent business." Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy, has also waded in on the issue arguing the brewery had been target in an unfair way.

2019-12-10	THE FUTURE IS THE MICRO PUB
Since 2001 the UK has lost a quarter of its pubs. They've shut their doors for good. High taxes, high prices, supermarket competition, even the smoking ban have all been blamed. But there are new types of pub, the micropub, and community-owned pubs, which are bucking the trend. While larger, traditional establishments have been under pressure, these have flourished. So why have they been able to succeed where others have not? For In Business, John Murphy visits his local boozer - and others - to see what these new pubs have to offer.

2019-09-07	SUPERMARKET SWEEP
A think tank has suggested making supermarket alcohol more expensive. They argue it should be taxed at a higher rate than drink sold in pubs. This would make drinking at home less affordable and support the pub sector. The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS), which commissioned the research, believes that doing this would reduce the numbers of problem drinkers.

2019-08-20	SLIPPING CROWN
It has been reported today that Greene King, the pub giant, has been snapped up by Hong Kong firm CKA for £2.7bn. Reports suggest that the Greene King property portfolio is valued at over £4bn, most of which they hold to the rights to selling.

2019-08-14	CHAMPION BEER OF BRITAIN 2019 CATEGORY WINNERS
Mild Gold Gravediggers, Church End Brewery Silver Malt Shovel Mild, Fernandes Brewery Bronze Maggs Magnificent Mild, West Berkshire Brewery Bitter Gold Ay Up, Dancing Duck Brewery Silver Hobby Horse, Rhymney Brewery Joint Bronze Edith Cavell, Wolf Brewery Laughing Gravy, Ulverston Brewing Company Best Bitter Gold Shere Drop, Surrey Hills Brewery Silver Trawler Boys, Green Jack Brewery Joint Bronze Preservation Fine Ale, Castle Rock Brewery Darwin's Origin, Salopian Brewery Strong Bitter Gold Afghan IPA, Grey Trees Brewery Silver Iron Duke, Irving Bronze Fallen Angel, Church End Brewery Golden Gold Citra, Oakham Ales Silver Pale, Five Points Brewing Joint Bronze Heart & Soul, Vocation Brewery Prince Bishop Ale, Big Lamp Brewery Speciality Gold Vanilla Stout, Binghams Brewery Silver Chocolate Guerilla, Blue Monkey Brewery Bronze Brazillian Coffee & Vanilla Porter, Colchester Brewery

2019-08-10	CHAMPION BEER OF BRITAIN 2019
Great British Beer Festival announces Champion Beer of Britain 2019. Supreme Champion Gold Shere Drop, Surrey Hills Brewery Supreme Champion Silver Afghan Pale, Grey Trees Brewery Supreme Champion Bronze Citra, Oakham Ales

2019-07-24	PUB CLOSURES

2019-05-21	SUMMER OF PUB
If your idea of a perfect British summer involves a pint and a pub-garden, then you’re in luck. CAMRA has announced a new national campaign this summer all about visiting your local (and getting involved is as easy as grabbing a pint!). The Summer of Pub campaign kicks off during the next bank holiday weekend (24 May), with the simple aim to encourage pub-going throughout the summer. The consumer organisation has written to thousands of pubs across the country encouraging them to host celebratory events to help more people rediscover their love for the great British local. Cause for celebration includes the forthcoming ‘PUBlic’ bank holiday weekend when pub-goers are encouraged to tweet photos of themselves using the hashtag #SummerofPub - giving them the chance to win a round of drinks for their party in the process. Various events will follow, including special screenings of the Women’s World Cup (6 June - 6 July) a toast for Beer Day Britain (15 June), and beer and cider tasting events showcasing local producers. There are also plans to host fringe events across London to coincide with the Great British Beer Festival (6-10 August), bringing a clear pub campaigning element to CAMRA’s flagship event for the first time. CAMRA will be promoting participating events through its social media channels and the Summer of Pub platform to get the word out and encourage more people to get involved. It will also be providing marketing materials for participating pubs and encouraging its network of nearly 200,000 members to get their local pubs involved in the campaign. Ben Wilkinson, CAMRA’s National Director said: “You don’t have to go on a march or demonstration to be a pub campaigner – anyone can get involved. It’s as simple as heading out for a pint this summer and encouraging your friends to join you. “We want to remind the public what makes our nation’s pubs so special. We want to encourage people to give the TV a break this summer and help them rediscover the unbeatable social network that is their local. The clearest way we can all demonstrate how much we value our community pubs and want them to remain part of the social fabric of our country is by using them. ” Pub Minister Jake Berry adds: “I am really pleased to support the Summer Of Pub this year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which marks the beginning of the ‘Great British Summer’ by celebrating another of the UK’s great institution - the pub. The ‘local’ is where people enjoy a pint, relax and spend time with one another, whether it is watching their team win, sampling their favourite beverage or hosting a charity fundraiser. “The UK also boasts some of the world’s best rural pubs, which are increasingly diversifying. Many are doing so with help from Pub is the Hub, which is supported by the Government to provide new, or replace lost, community services in rural area. The Government recently announced a round of funding totalling £188,000 for Pub is the Hub to deliver community services alongside their drinks; from allotments, post offices and shops to children’s play areas and cinemas. “CAMRA’s Summer of Pub is all about the idea that locals aren’t just places to drink, they provide space for socialising, events and they create thousands of jobs. It is important that they continue to be able to do so and this summer is a perfect opportunity to go and explore what your community pub has to offer.” To get involved or to find an event near you, simply visit www.camra.org.uk/summerofpub/

2019-04-22	BROKEN SYSTEM
Publicans have declared the business rates system ‘broken’. Recent research carried out in March shows that 72% of surveyed licensees find the business rates system unfair to pubs. The report, from CAMRA, comes hot on the heels of a Parliamentary debate on how beer and pubs are taxed. It surveyed 650 licensees from across the country, with publicans submitting accounts of the devastating impact of rate increases, including the need to lay off staff, put off investment, and raise prices for consumers. Going forward, the evidence will be considered by the Treasury Committee and publican groups hope it will inform their inquiry into the impact of business rates. It echoes the sentiment expressed in the House of Commons, where over 35 MPs from six different political parties spoke out in support of Britain’s pubs during the debate, demonstrating a real need for Government to support these community assets. Speaking in the debate, Mike Wood MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group said: “We have to address business rates. We need fundamental reform. The relief announced in the Budget last autumn was enormously helpful, with about 80% of pubs benefiting, but they are still hugely overtaxed. Despite only making up about 0.5% of total business turnover, our pubs represent nearly 3% of all business rate payments." Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s Chief Executive said: “Since the last business rates revaluation in 2017 it has been clear that the business rates system simply isn’t working for England’s publicans, many of whom have contacted us directly about the issue. The rates hit tied tenants especially hard, as they are usually unable to make cost savings elsewhere and have squeezed profit margins due to the high price of tied beer. “It’s encouraging to see such overwhelming cross-party support for a fundamental review of how pubs are taxed, and we hope that the Treasury Committee listen to publicans and take that message on board.”

2019-01-26	JAPANESE PRIDE.
The famous London brewer Fuller's is to sell us its entire beer making process to the Japanese brewer Asahi. The deal will see Fuller's leaving brewing altogether, this includes cider and its cask brewer Dark Star. According to Fuller's brewing will remain at the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, and will preserve the brewing heritage that has been there since 1654. It is noted that Asahi paid 250m GBP for Fuller's wet business. Fuller's will continue as a business, but will focus on its hotels and pubs. Fuller's argued the sale made sense as it was not big enough to compete with larger brewers of scale and was being undercut by smaller brewers who pay a lower duty. Additionally they argued they made 87% of its profits from the non-brewing business, so it made sense to sell up.

2019-01-10	THE GREAT AND THE GOOD
Great British Beer Festival Winter 2019 There are only six weeks until the GBBF returns to Norwich from 19-23 February for the Winter Great British Beer Festival. There will be hundreds of great real ales, world beers, ciders, local breweries, food, and music. There will also be the winners of the Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition on tap. Brewery bars come in the shape of Lacons Brewery and the Norfolk Brewhouse. There will also be a lineup of bands to keep you entertained whilst enjoying your pint, with entertainment in the afternoons and evenings throughout the festival including rock, pop and alternative bands. Get your tickets online.

2018-12-01	BOTTLES ON THE WALL.
Yesterday, a beer called 1845 from Fuller's was crowned Champion Bottled Beer of Britain 2018. Congratulations to Fuller's, whose strong, rich and fruity ale 1845 was awarded Gold at the BBC Good Food Show Winter yesterday. Durham Brewery's Temptation Imperial took home Silver, and St. Austell Brewery's Big Job won Bronze.

2018-10-15	TAXED OUT OF EXISTENCE
Thousands of pubs face closure if the chancellor presses ahead with a rise in beer duty in this month's Budget, the industry has warned. Britain's Beer Alliance, made up of individual publicans and brewers, is urging drinkers to contact their MP. A report estimates 6,000 pubs could go over the next five years, along with about 12,500 jobs. The industry fears Philip Hammond will hike duty by 3.4% on 29 October, with future inflation-linked rises planned. Launched alongside the Alliance's warning on Friday is a report from Oxford Economics, which estimates that the pub and brewing sector accounts for 900,000 UK jobs, is worth £23bn to the economy and pays £13bn in taxes. The Alliance says there are about 48,000 pubs in the UK, but about three are closing each day, and that a duty rise will make many more economically unviable. One in every three pounds spent in pubs already goes to the government. Beer duty was frozen in the Budget last autumn, but pressure on Treasury coffers has sparked worries that the industry will be targeted. The BBA estimates that if the chancellor cuts duty by 2%, rather than increasing it by 3.4%, it would create a further 8,500 new jobs. The last time beer duty rose year-on-year was between 2008 and 2013, when the government put an escalator policy in place. The Alliance estimates that over the five years, there was a 24% fall in beer sales in pubs, 5,000 pubs closed and 58,000 people lost their jobs. To drum up support for the pub sector, the industry has launched a "Long Live the Local" petition, which already has more than 80,000 signatures. Pubs are affected more than supermarkets, the BBA said. "Seven in ten of all alcoholic drinks are beer. It has a disproportionate impact for a pub verses a supermarket," said David Cunningham, project director at Britain's Beer Alliance. It is not just about economic benefit, he said, but they also provide "public space" are important to local communities and can "breathe life" in to high streets at time of shop closures.

2018-09-26	CRAFTY ALE
A recent podcast from the BBC talks about the rise of Craft Beer despite the drop in general real ale sales. BBC Craft Ale

2018-09-19	WORLDS OLDEST BREWERY
Researchers in Israel say they have found the world's oldest brewery, with residue of 13,000-year-old beer. Brewing beer was thought to go back 5,000 years, but the latest discovery may turn beer history on its head. The findings also suggest beer was not necessarily a side product of making bread as previously thought. The 'beer' was more like porridge and would not be recognizable as beer today.

2018-09-14	APPS AWAY
CAMRA have launched their new and updated Good Beer Guide app for the 2019 season. CAMRA's Good Beer Guide App is a live database of over 4500 Good Beer Guide pubs as well as a further 30,000 pubs and bars and 1750+ breweries across the UK. With map references and links to navigation apps on your phone or tablet, it couldn't be easier to find a Good Beer Guide pub near you.

2018-09-12	GENDER IN THE WORLD OF BREWING
Brewing is nothing new for women, but it still presents challenges for those who wish to step into the industry. Sarah John talks here about her experience.

2018-09-10	BREAD TO BEER
Ever wondered what they do with old, stale bread? Wonder no longer and raise a glass to their ingenuity. Or if you do not like (!) bread, how about beer from unused fruit?

2018-08-16	CBOB ALSO RAN
These are the winners in the main categories at the GBBF in London last week. Mild Gold XX Mild, Greene King Silver Dark, Rhymney Bronze Orchid, East London Brewing Company Bitter Gold Red MacGregor, Orkney Silver Captain Bob, Mighty Oak Joint Bronze Flat Cap, Bank Top Barnsley Bitter, Acorn Best Bitter Gold Workie Ticket, Mordue Silver 1555, Bishop Nick Joint Bronze Tribute, St Austell Darwin's Origin, Salopian Strong Bitter Gold Revelation, Dark Star Brewing Co. Silver Devon Dumpling, Bays Bronze Half Centurion, Kinver Golden Gold Oracle, Salopian Silver Hop Twister, Salopian Joint Bronze Moonshine, Abbeydale Knight of the Garter, Windsor & Eton Speciality Gold Brazilian Coffee & Vanilla Porter, Colchester Silver Red Rocket, Cromarty Bronze Cleopatra, Derventio

2018-08-14	MASTER AND BREWER

2018-08-11	BEST BEER IN TOWN
CAMRA have announced the winners of the Campaign for Real Ale's prestigious Champion Beer of Britain competition, awarded at the Great British Beer Festival. Supreme Champion Gold Broken Dream Breakfast Stout, Siren Supreme Champion Silver Ripper, Green Jack Supreme Champion Bronze Workie Ticket, Mordue

2018-08-02	GBBF BEER LIST
The Great British Beer Festival beer list is out today.

2018-07-12	CANCELLED FUN
The 2018 beer festival held at the Griffin Inn, Shustoke, Warwickshire, has been cancelled due to lack of parking.

2018-06-28	TRAPPING THE BREW
The monks in a Leicestershire Abbey have brewed the UK's first Trappist beer. Mount Saint Bernard Abbey is the world's 12th officially recognised Trappist brewery.

2018-06-25	CAMRA HUNTING FOR THE BEST LOOKING PUBS
The Campaign for Real Ale is looking for the most stunningly designed pubs to enter its prestigious Pub Design Award, held in conjunction with Historic England. The annual award recognises the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs as well as in the construction of new ones. Last year's winners included the Fitzroy Tavern in London, the Bowland Beer Hall in Lancashire, the Sail Loft in Greenwich and the Greenwood in Northolt, Middlesex. The Pub Design Awards competition is open to all pubs in the UK and buildings can be nominated by anyone. Entrants may be required to provide additional photographs and plans of the building, so the pub licensee should always be made aware of and approve the entry. Sean Murphy, CAMRA's Pub Design Awards coordinator says: "The Pub Design Awards showcase the best designed pubs in the country. Every pub in the competition tells a story of huge potential and dedication. Whether that pub is a new build or a much-loved heritage pub restored to its former glory, we want to hear from you." The closing date for entries is 31 August 2018. To enter the competition, simply visit:http://www.camra.org.uk/pub-design-awards-online-entry.

2018-06-11	NO ALCOHOL PLEASE.
Alcohol-free beer to debut at the Great British Beer Festival The Great British Beer Festival will be offering an alcohol-free beer range for the very first time from the Dutch-based Braxzz Brewery. The festival, which takes places from 7-11 August at Olympia London, is the premier destination for Britain's beer enthusiasts boasting nearly a thousand different beers, ciders, perries, fine wines and gins all under one roof. This however will be the first year that a non-alcoholic beer range will be available at the 41-year-old festival. A recent newcomer to the alcohol-free and low-alcohol market, Braxzz Brewery has developed an alcohol-free IPA, Amber Ale and the world's very first alcohol-free porter at 0.0% ABV. Braxzz has ambitions to expand their range over the coming months, and visitors will have the chance to sample their core range throughout the festival week. Catherine Tonry, organiser of the Great British Beer Festival, said: "We look forward to welcoming Braxzz to the Great British Beer Festival. Alcohol-free beer has become increasingly important in recent years and thankfully brewers have been keeping pace with consumer demands - there are now some fantastic innovations in the sector and a much wider range of styles and flavours than ever before. We are thrilled to provide an alcohol-free alternative to festival-goers who cannot, or choose not to drink." Braxzz Brewery aims to improve variety in the low-alcohol and alcohol-free category by creating alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks with zero compromise on taste. It was founded by a Dutch and British team, which includes a member of one of the best-known brewing families in the world, the Swinkels family. James Leary of Braxzz said: "We are delighted to be attending the Great British Beer Festival for hopefully the first of many appearances. We hope to provide something different at the event and give another option to anybody who will not be drinking but still want to taste craft ale. Our range is set to improve and expand over the coming months and I look forward to being able to offer this category to visitors throughout the week."

2018-04-24	MOTIONS CARRIED
The results from the CAMRA AGM in Coventry have been published. If you wish to find out what happened use the links below. Members of the Campaign for Real Ale voted to approve all but one of its National Executive’s recommendations designed to take the organisation into the future. You can read more about this here. During the AGM there were motions put forward form the floor and there results can be viewed here. At the same time members were asked to vote on the membership of the National Executive. You can see how they voted and who was elected here.

2018-04-21	CAMRA MEMBERS REJECT THE WIDER REMIT
CAMRA members have today rejected a call to widen the movement's aim to cover all drinkers, including lager drinkers. At their AGM this weekend members voted on expanding CAMRA's horizons to be the voice for all drinkers. However, only 18,000 of the 100,000 plus membership chose the option of voting online in advance of the AGM, of those, a majority of 75 per cent was required to pass the changes. National pub campaigner Greg Mulholland was one of those who opposed the changes.

2018-03-29	TAXING TIMES
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has released charts showing how the government taxes your pint: Click here for the website The BBC has collated more figures here

2018-03-28	STORM IN A PINT POT
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is calling for a new deal for pubs in response to fresh data which reveals 18 pubs are being lost each week. The consumer group says that urgent action is needed to cut the tax burden placed on pubs. Pubs are being hit hard by a triple whammy of one of the highest rates of beer duty across Europe, rapidly rising business rates and VAT. A third of the cost of a pub pint is now made up of various taxes. While temporary business rate relief and a beer duty freeze have been welcome, CAMRA is calling on the Government to implement a fundamental review of the tax system. Britain's departure from the European Union provides new opportunities to support pubs, such as the potential for lower rates of tax for draught beer sold in pubs. Colin Valentine, CAMRA's National Chairman says: "Pubs are now facing a crippling tax burden, exacerbated by the perfect storm of the last business rates revaluation and a high level of beer duty. From these new pub closure figures, it is clear that a fundamental change is needed if the British pub is to survive for future generations. "As Britain prepares to leave the European Union, the Government has a unique opportunity to update the tax system to better support pubs, which are a bastion of British culture and at the heart of communities across the country. "We can now look further afield for a new tax deal for the sector. This could include implementing the Australian model of having a lower rate of duty for beer sold in pubs, radically changing the business rates system, or charging a lower rate of VAT for pubs or, even better, all three. "Millions of dedicated pub-goers are looking to the Government to act now to secure the future of the great British pub. We're now challenging the Government to be the most pro-pub in history by seizing this opportunity."

2018-02-16	DERBY STINKER
What should have been a bi-monthly celebration of all that is good about real ale has turned into something of a stick for one local CAMRA branch. Derby CAMRA's bi-monthly magazine carries a crossword which has clues (7, 18) that have been called out as racist and homophobic. The offending crossword has been posted on social media. Head of CAMRA, Colin Valentine, apologised for the offence. An investigation is under way involving the Derby branch, Camra's regional director and members of the group's national executive.

2017-12-03	HIDDEN GEMS
Researchers who have been discovering weird and wonderful objects hidden behind the walls of house and stuffed up chimneys are turning their attention to pubs. Dr Ceri Houlbrook, at the University of Hertfordshire, and her colleagues have been documenting “concealed objects” as part of the Concealed Revealed project for many years, discovering stories of shoes deliberately hidden up chimneys, horse skulls under floorboards and mummified cats bricked up in walls. The project is now appealing to pubs – and historic breweries – which may know of objects found hidden on the premises, or stories associated with the pub or brewery about objects being hidden. Houlbrook said that it doesn’t matter whether the object is bizarre or mundane, only that it has been found in an unexpected or unusual location, or appears to have been hidden deliberately. Pictured is a child’s shoe found with clay-pipes up the chimney breast of The Lamb pub, Greater Manchester. The shoe is currently on display on the fireplace in which it was originally hidden. Houlbrook added: “Old shoes and mummified cats are just some of the obscure objects that have been found hidden away in buildings, from under floorboards to up chimney breasts. We still don’t know why these items were concealed. Were they intended to protect against evil forces? Were they meant to bring good luck? Or were they simply time-capsules? ‘The Concealed Revealed Project’ at the University of Hertfordshire is hoping to answer these questions, and we need help to do it. We’re trying to catalogue as many concealed objects found or displayed in pubs as possible, so if you know of any then please contact me.” You can get in touch with Ceri Houlbrook at c.houlbrook@herts.ac.uk. Find out more about the project at theconcealedrevealed.wordpress.com/ and www.historypin.org/en/person/66740

2017-09-09	GREENE SLIDE
Shares in Greene King have dropped 11% due to the company reporting falling sales in the last quarter. Sales fell 1.2%. However, all is not gloom for the beer side as the drop in sales came from the food side of the business.

2017-09-07	PRICE
It is cheaper to buy a beer in London now than in Surrey according to the Good Pub Guide.

2017-08-31	GUIDE ME.
The Good Beer Guide 2018 The 45th Good Beer Guide will be published on September 14th. This is a completely independent selection of pubs, with listings based entirely on nomination and evaluation by CAMRA members. Given that, you can be sure that every one of the 4,500 pubs in The Good Beer Guide deserves its place, and that they all come recommended by people who love nothing more than a great pint and a good place to enjoy it! In addition, you get the only exhaustive listing in print of UK real ale breweries. It also includes articles by world-renowned beer writer Roger Protz on a range of topics around beer and pubs, and more.

2017-06-19	SUPPORT YOUR PINT
CAMRA have issued a statement praising their members actions before the elections, who lobbied local candidates about beer issues. Thanks to members campaigning, 773 candidates across 467 constituencies pledged support for beer and pubs ahead of the election. Of these candidates, 130 were elected as MPs which equates to 20% of the House of Commons. CAMRA argued that "it stands us in great stead as we face the challenges ahead - and will help us build crucial cross-party support, especially as the Autumn Budget gets closer." During this campaign CAMRA members sent over 7,500 emails to candidates and lobbied candidates on the doorstep, asking them to pledge for pubs. They also used social media to keep the conversation going online. More importantly, it was argued, they did not take 'no' for an answer, persuading many candidates to change their minds and sign up to the pledges. CAMRA has now said they will work with MPs from all parties to ensure beer and pubs stay on top of the political agenda and "that we maintain our strong voice in Parliament." To keep up to date with all their campaigns and see how you can support them, visit www.camra.org.uk/campaigns.

2017-04-01	SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL.
The smallest micropub in the UK fits just 2 customers. Check out the video here

2017-03-28	BREWED BY THE DOG
BrewDog has been criticised for being hypocritical in a row with a new Birmingham pub that wanted to call itself 'Lone Wolf'. Joshua and Sallie McFadyen were threatened with legal action a week after opening Lone Wolf because its name was the same as a BrewDog vodka. They felt they had to change the name of the Birmingham bar as they had no funds to fight them in court. BrewDog later relented, blaming "trigger happy lawyers" for the letter. However, Joshua and Sallie have said they do not intend to change the name back to the one they intended due to the cost of rebranding once more.

2017-03-25	CLOSING THE LOOP.
Following a successful campaign led by the Campaign for Real Ale, the Government has announced that it will support a measure to close a planning loophole in England which has allowed pubs to be demolished or converted to a wide range of retail uses without any planning application. This has not only denied local communities a say in their beloved locals' futures, but also made pubs a ‘soft target' for developers, contributing to 21 net pub closures every week. The Government's decision will bring a halt to developers exploiting loopholes and will give communities the right to have a say in the future of their pubs. The decision will not prevent the development of pubs, but will require developers to apply for planning permission to convert or demolish a pub, allowing for members of the local community to express their opinions as part of that process. CAMRA campaigners worked closely with the Shadow Spokesman for Communities and Local Government, Lord Roy Kennedy, who won a vote on this issue in the House of Lords last month, and with Ministers, MPs, Peers and departmental officials. Lord Kennedy of Southwark said: "I am delighted that the Government have listened to the Lords my amendment to close the loophole that allowed pubs to be lost without the local community having a say. This is a victory for common sense, the much loved British pub and responsible drinkers everywhere." CAMRA Chief Executive Tim Page said: "Politicians are chosen to represent the views of those who elect them. We are delighted that in deciding to require owners to apply for planning permission if they want to close a pub, the Government has put the opinions of those who recognise the value that pubs provide to them and their communities above the commercial interests of a few organisations and individuals. This is a fantastic victory for campaigners who have secured the removal of a loophole which allowed pubs to be redeveloped or demolished without reference to the local community or planners. The decision to respond positively to CAMRA's campaign is further evidence of Government's support for the pub sector and follows on from the decision earlier this month to provide most English pubs with a £1,000 discount in the business rates they pay." "This announcement is the result of the work of thousands of local campaigners and CAMRA members who have been calling for an end to the loopholes in existing legislation that have been used by developers to close wonderful, viable and well-supported local pubs. This change also wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of Lord Kennedy in securing the support of the House of Lords earlier this month. Lord Kennedy's efforts to support the future of local pubs at the heart and soul of communities will benefit pub goers for generations to come." "This change delivers real and robust protection to valued community pubs, which previously have relied on communities going through the bureaucratic process of securing Asset of Community Value (ACV) listings, or local authorities choosing to use complex and obscure Article 4 directions. "We will work with the Government to ensure these measures are implemented as soon as possible to allow pubs across England to start benefiting from the protection of the planning system."

2017-03-14	GUIDE TO ALE
c2017, Myoffers.co.uk

2017-03-12	NATIONAL BEER DAY
National beer day is to be the 15th of June 2017. This will be the third annual event. If you are interested in celebrating the day, go to National Beer Day for more information.

2017-03-03	BACK FROM THE DEAD
CAMRA has announced George and Dragon in Hudswell, North Yorkshire as Pub of the Year. The George and Dragon has been brought back to life by its community - adding a shop and library to keep the customers coming.

2017-02-24	GBBF
The Great British Beer Festival website is now live. CAMRA are proud to announce that their new and improved website is now live and ready for you to explore. The website is the place for you to find out all the latest information about the festival. Want to know what beers are available, what food to try, where to stay and how to get there? Then you will find it on the website as soon as it is available. Useful sections will be things like: tickets, tastings, and travel. Get your ticket now Member discount code: GBBF-2017-ema

2017-02-04	BLADDERED
Many people may not realise the beer in their pint glass contains a product made from fish. Now the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is calling on brewers to investigate alternatives for their drinks. Ask somebody to list the classic ingredients of beer and the chances are they will come back with: hops, malt, barley, water and yeast. It is unlikely the swim bladder of fish would be on the list, but isinglass - a gelatine made using the organ - is in fact very likely to be in your average pint. Used since the 19th Century as a fining agent to make beer clear, bright and more attractive to drinkers, the odourless added extra is used widely by brewers, from mass-produced brands to small microbreweries. Its prevalence poses a problem for vegetarians and vegans, many of whom do not realise they need to tread carefully when ordering at the bar. Now Camra is calling on breweries to examine alternatives to isinglass in beer, is a brewing revolution on the cards? While flocculation - the process where the substance mixes with the yeast in the beer to make it less hazy - is useful for many breweries and landlords looking for beer to settle quickly, Twisted Barrel Brewery made the decision not to use isinglass to clear its beers soon after setting up in 2014. As well as the ethical and environmental issues around veganism, the Coventry-based brewer has another more practical objection: the effect of isinglass on the taste. "It takes away a lot of the flavour from the beer," Mr Bosworth said. Alternative vegetarian-friendly finings, such as products derived from the algae Irish moss or seaweed, are also on the market. Unsurprisingly, the practice is enthusiastically backed by the Vegetarian Society. John Soonaye, from the society, said the exemption alcoholic drinks enjoy on nutritional labelling regulations makes life harder for ale-drinking vegetarians. However, with greater consumer awareness about the provenance of food and drink and a number of breweries signing up to earn the society's approved trademark, he hopes the situation will improve. "The use of isinglass in drinks production is a major frustration for vegetarian beer lovers as there are very few obvious ways to identify whether or not it has been used," he said. "Personally, there's nothing I like more than savouring a cool pint of real ale on a lazy Saturday afternoon, so if Camra can help encourage breweries to make more beers suitable for more people, that's a brilliant thing."

2016-09-28	IT'S IN THE CAN
Bristol brewery becomes first in world to be granted "CAMRA Says This Is Real Ale" accreditation for canned beer The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has given its first ever accreditation for real ale to a canned beer - from Moor Beer Company in Bristol. The campaigning organisation carried out tests on the "micro-canned" beer from Moor Beer at its recent Great British Beer Festival and concluded that the beer qualified as real ale under its definition. CAMRA's quality control laboratory at the Great British Beer Festival reported that the beer in Moor Beer cans still contained live yeast, and further test results showed that any carbonation was created by natural secondary fermentation. It makes Moor Beer the first brewery in the world to be granted the "CAMRA says this is real ale" logo to use on a canned beer. National chairman of CAMRA,Colin Valentine, said: "There have been a lot of developments in the brewing industry and CAMRA has been working hard to make sure that we understand them and how they fit with our real ale definition. "I'm delighted that we've been able to show that "micro-canned" beer under the right circumstances can qualify as real ale, which means that more drinkers can get access to what we believe is the pinnacle of brewing skill - live beer which continues to ferment and develop in whichever container it's served from. "We carried out similar tests on key-cask beers several years ago and accepted those as real ale and we're hopeful brewers will continue to innovate and find ways of making real ale as accessible to drinkers as possible through these sorts of developments. "We look forward to granting the accreditation to many more breweries producing canned beers in similar ways to Justin at Moor." Justin Hawke from Moor Beer said: "I moved to England because of my love for real ale, so when I made the decision to can our beer there was only one way we were going to do it - fully can-conditioned with live yeast. "We invested very heavily in our canning line and process control to get it right, taking a huge risk being the first to go down this path. Cans had a horrible reputation, but actually it is the best package type for portability because it blocks all light and oxygen from getting in and ruining the beer. "It is also a much more environmentally friendly container, being lighter in weight, more recyclable, and safer than glass. We worked really hard with our designer Ben King from Ich Bin Ben to make the outside of the can as awesome as the beer inside. The beer itself is amazing, and getting CAMRA's recognition give us a huge sense of achievement.

2016-09-12	MARXIST BEER
A story has emerged of North Korea selling beer and fun times to its people. In this the UK has a part to play as the kit they use to brew their beer came from the defunct Ushers Brewery in Trowbridge. However, it seems that not all beer is equal. The North Koreans have used the kit to brew mainly lager. Reports are that the beer brewed - Taedonggang - is a gaseous and bland affair, more akin to Budweiser than it is to anything British. Given that America are the hated enemy of North Koreans, it is surprising they chose to copy such a beer style.

2016-08-10	CHAMPION BEER OF BRITAIN 2016
CAMRA are proud to announce this year's Champion Beers of Britain. They would especially like to thank all the members who were part of the 12 month judging process at all levels, without them the awards would not be possible. Overall Gold - Binghams, Vanilla Stout Silver - Old Dairy, Snow Top; Champion Winter Beer of Britain, Old Ale Strong Milds category Bronze - Tring, Death or Glory; Champion Winter Beer of Britain, Barley Wine Strong Old Ales category Mild Gold - Williams Bros, Williams Black Silver - Mighty Oak, Oscar Wilde Bronze -Acorn, Darkness Bitter Gold - Timothy Taylor, Boltmaker Silver - Tiny Rebel, Hank Joint Bronze - Hawkshead, Bitter, Salopian, Shropshire Gold Best Bitter Gold - Surrey Hills, Shere Drop Silver - Salopian, Darwin’s Origin Joint Bronze - Colchester, Colchester No.1, Tiny Rebel, Cwtch Strong Bitter Gold - Heavy Industry, 77 Silver - Hawkshead, NZPA Bronze - Adnams, Ghost Ship Golden Gold - Golden Triangle, Mosaic City Silver - Grey Trees Independent Craft Brewery, Diggers Gold Bronze - Marble, Lagonda IPA Speciality Gold - Binghams, Vanilla Stout Silver - Titanic, Plum Porter Bronze -Saltaire, Triple Chocoholic

2016-05-12	SHEFFIELD, CENTER OF THE ALE UNIVERSE?
According to a new report, Sheffield is the "real ale capital of the world". The report by Sheffield University titled "The World’s Best Beer City : A Snapshot of the Beer Industry in the Sheffield City Region ", found Sheffield has 23 breweries. When expanded to what they called the Sheffield region, "This list yielded a total of 57 active brewers in the Sheffield City Region." they stated. Kate Major, chairman of the city's branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and landlady of The Three Tuns, said a glut of very knowledgeable beer drinkers helped explain why Sheffield had so many breweries. "The report is very exciting but it is nothing we didn't know already in Sheffield," she said. "Many of our breweries are tiny and we like the beer they produce too much to let a lot of it out." The University of Sheffield report finds nine out of 10 of the city's brewers could be described as "microbreweries" - those that brew less beer than the threshold for beer duty and keep the vast majority of their production in the city. It also claimed what makes the city's beer scene special is it produces 400 different beers, many of which are hard to find anywhere else. The city's brewing history goes back as far as 1758 when its first brewery was founded. Over the next 100 years 30 brewers sprung up, making the steel city something of a brewing centre. But by World War One there were only around 16 breweries left and the number continued to decline for decades after. Then, in the 1980s, something stirred: a brewing movement which made Sheffield a precursor to the more recent national explosion in "craft beer". This is argued to have started with Dave Wickett, a polytechnic lecturer and real ale enthusiast. He purchased a run-down pub and set up The Fat Cat in 1981. This pub has always tried to stock ten real ales. "The general trend for Sheffield's new beer all started with the Fat Cat and the Kelham Island area" Kate Major added. While other cities may be better know for drinking by the wider population, CAMRA members have always know about the variety and quality of ales available in Sheffield. Kate Major proffers an invitation to all by sating "We have room in Sheffield for a lot more people to come and drink our beer and as a city we need to be telling everybody".

2016-04-23	SAVING PUBLIC HOUSES.
Saving pubs has become popular these days, but pubs are still closing. The re-found love of beer though has not stopped a wave of pub closures across the UK. Between 2009 and 2013, 3,800 coffee shops opened. During that same period 4,500 pubs called last orders for the last time. In the second half of last year, the number of pubs fell to its lowest level for a decade, with an average of 27 each week pulling their final pint. A number of factors have conspired against public houses. Tax on beer is higher than most of the rest of Europe, which adds an extra 52p to the price of every pint served. Alcohol is also much cheaper in supermarkets. Many of the pubs under threat represent, the campaigners say, beautiful slices of history. The Royal Oak pub in Kent, which contains a beam thought to be nearly 350 years old, closed last September. Campaigners are angry it has been sold to a developer, and could potentially be demolished, rather than to the former landlord. "Many pubs have yet to properly adapt to life after the smoking ban and offer a pleasant environment to relax in with good food - especially those that are struggling with beer ties," says Allison Parkinson from Save the Royal Oak, Frindsbury. The campaigners say beer ties have had a detrimental effect. They allow owners to rent the pub premises from the company or brewery that owns it, often for lower than market rates. However, it locks the tenants into buying beer and other drinks from the parent company. At the end of 2014, MPs voted to end this control which allows landlords an independent rent review and to buy their beer on the open market. Prince Charles is one of the most well-known proponents of traditional village pubs. He has said their disappearance risks "pulling threads" from the '"delicate tapestry'' of the British countryside. Others remain at risk. The Shakespeare in London's Victoria could make way for Crossrail 2, a new rail route which could link north London with Surrey. The Crook Inn on the Scottish Borders closed in 2006 and was expected to be converted into houses before being saved by a community group. The Cow and Snuffers in Cardiff, Wales closed in 2010 after nearly 200 years. The seemingly unstoppable march to demolish or convert pubs into flats shows no signs of abating, according to James Hughes, a conservation adviser at the Victorian Society. "Often pubs are the most architecturally interesting buildings in a local area and provide a cultural hub for a community. Victorian pubs which survive in anywhere near an original state are becoming ever rarer. Pub companies and landlords should see their historic features as an asset not a burden." The government has tried to address the issue. Community rights legislation gives the public the right to list sites as "community assets". This triggers a block on a sale for six months. Of the 3,000 sites which have been temporarily protected, pubs make up the largest group with around 1,250 listed as such. The Crocker's Folly in north-west London, which was built just before the end of the 19th Century, is one of those which have been saved. The former Victorian gin palace was "sympathetically and painstakingly restored" after being given grade II-listed status following its closure in 2004 (pictured). It re-opened in 2014 and now attracts drinkers and diners alike in surroundings it describes as "complete with 50 kinds of marble, Romanesque columns, cut glass chandeliers and carved mahogany". While this is an unlikely future for every former pub, there is hope that the wider decline can be halted before these mainstays of British life are gone forever.

2016-03-28	FALLEN CROWN
Campaigners have vowed to keep the beer on tap at their pub after plans were revealed to demolish it. Regulars and villagers near the Crown at Worthington, in Wigan, have rallied round to save their historic pub. Campaign organiser Carl Davies said campaigners want to see the pub local as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). Davies said: “This pub is the heart and soul of the community here. We were devastated when it closed down so suddenly. But we believed because it was so popular that someone would come in quickly and take it over. “We were appalled to see this plan to rip down a historic building such as this. It has been part of the fabric of our village for hundreds of years. “This was the last community building in this area - we lost our little shops a long time ago. It The Crown is knocked down it will leave us with nothing. “A lot of people are behind us wanting The Crown to survive and we’ll fight to keep it.”

2016-03-20	LOST OPPORTUNITY
The Chancellor's decision not to cut beer tax is a missed opportunity, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). CAMRA, however, welcomed reductions in stamp duty and business rates* will help to keep small community pubs open. By failing to cut beer tax for a fourth year in a row, the Chancellor has missed an opportunity to support the ongoing revival of brewing in the UK. CAMRA had been pushing for a cut in beer tax which would have prompted additional investment in the industry, protected jobs and importantly, supported stable prices for customers. CAMRA Chief Executive, Tim Page, said: "A freeze in beer tax is an opportunity missed to back the continued revival of brewing in the UK. With UK drinkers paying the second highest rate of beer duty in Europe, a beer tax cut was needed to keep pubs open, boost the brewing sector and to keep the cost of a pint stable. "However, the sustainability of smaller community pubs has been boosted by welcome decisions to cut commercial stamp duty and the business rates paid by small businesses. The extension of small business rate relief will save publicans of smaller pubs thousands of pounds annually which will help keep community pubs as viable businesses and at the heart of community life. Likewise, cuts in commercial stamp duty will reduce the financial barriers faced by people looking to purchase small community pubs to keep them open and serving the needs of local people." *The reductions in stamp duty will only apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The business rates change only applies to England.

2016-03-18	HEAD FOR TAX
The Chancellor has delivered his 2016 Budget. CAMRA were disappointed that there will not be a fourth consecutive cut in beer duty, but a freeze on beer and cider duty. This freeze can be seen as a positive move as it is effectively a cut, because beer duty has not increased in line with inflation. It also means that the duty charged on a pint of beer is now around 10p below what it would have been under previous plans to increase duty above inflation each year. The failure to cut beer duty is a missed opportunity to support the ongoing revival of brewing in the UK; and a further cut would have prompted additional investment in the industry, protected jobs and more importantly, supported stable prices for customers. Business Rate Relief extended to protect small pubs The good news is the extension of small business rate relief, which will save publicans of smaller pubs thousands of pounds annually; and will assist in keeping community pubs viable as small businesses at the very heart of each community and serving the needs of local people. Around one in three pubs in England will benefit from this change. CAMRA have had a tremendous amount of support in this year’s Campaign to cut beer duty from MPs, Lords, colleagues in the industry, but more importantly from their members. Memeber support was reported as being 'fantastic' with 6,924 members writting to their MPs to lobby them to support this initiative. Let’s not forget that beer remains the most important element of drink sales in pubs across the country and let’s raise a glass (or two) for our national drink!

2015-12-30	CRAFTY BREWS
A news article about the craft beer revolution will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4's In Business programme on New Year's Eve at 2030 GMT, and will be repeated on Sunday 3 January at 2130 GMT. It will also be available via the In Business podcast page - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02nrwfk/episodes/downloads

2015-12-28	CLUB OF THE YEAR
Four clubs catering to members with interests as far ranging as motoring, the RAF and politics - but sharing a love of real ale - have been named the finalists in the Campaign for Real Ale's Club of theYear competition. The Albatross RAFA Club in Bexhill-on-Sea, the Cheltenham Motor Club, the Kinver Constitutional Club and the Orpington Liberal Club have all been put through to the final round of the competition. Club Mirror magazine and CAMRA joined forces three years ago in the quest to find the best clubs serving real ale – those which offer a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and most importantly, top quality real ale served in great condition. The four clubs that have made it into the final four are award-winning CAMRA clubs from the across the country and between them have won almost thirty accolades. John Holland, Chairman of CAMRA's Clubs Advisory Group and one of the judges to determine the finalists commented: "CAMRA's Club of the Year Competition continues to go from strength to strength as more and more clubs show great commitment to quality real ale. "This has made it increasingly difficult to become a CAMRA Regional Club of the Year and then get through to the final. Therefore I anticipate an extremely close fight to become CAMRA's Club of the Year 2016". Clubs are nominated by CAMRA branches across the country and judged by a panel of volunteer CAMRA members throughout the year. The four finalists will now have to wait until Spring next year to discover which will be named CAMRA's Club of the Year. CLUB OF THE YEAR FINALISTS Albatross RAFA Club, Bexhill-on-Sea This friendly club welcomes CAMRA members; it has been the local Club of the Year since 2012 and regional Club of the Year in 2013. It hosts popular beer festivals in April and September in its large function room and has a full diary of regular social events including jazz, folk and quiz nights. They stock beers from local brewers such as Rother Valley, Weltons and Dark Star. The comprehensive range of upcoming beers is listed on a blackboard behind the bar. The club boasts an interesting collection of RAF memorabilia. Cheltenham Motor Club This friendly and welcoming club, formed in 1906, is open to all including CAMRA members that have their membership cards with them. The usually has five ales on tap and Thatcher's Heritage cider. The club is divided into a bar/TV room and a games room separated by a folding partition. The bar is decorated with motoring paraphernalia and an extensive collection of pump clips. Kinver Constitutional Club Built in 1902 on the site of an old pub, this converted hotel has three main areas: a smart restaurant, a large snooker room and a bar always dispensing 8-10 real ales and as many as 18 for special events, at reasonable prices. The club enjoys an enviable sporting reputation and hosts regular quiz and music nights. Card-carrying CAMRA members welcome but must be signed in, groups should book ahead. Kinver has won the local branch COTY every year since 2007 and National Club of the Year in 2011. Orpington Liberal Club This superb club is a runner-up in the 2014 CAMRA National Club of the year competition. It is also the Greater London Club of the Year for 2013, and has been the Club of the Year for the local CAMRA branch (Bromley) for the last three years. The refurbished club is free of tie and is run by a real ale enthusiast who doesn't serve regular beers, but purely guests with particular focus on local beers and micro breweries. Nearly 200 different real ales were served in 2013 and prices are extremely competitive. The club has regular live music, runs occasional beer festivals, and has a large rear garden.

2015-11-15	MICRO BUT NOT SMALL
Micropubs leading the way for better beer as new research shows 70% of pubs now serve real ale. New research released to mark the launch of the Good Beer Guide 2016, shows 70%* of all pubs now serve real ale, compared to just a third when the book was first published in 1975. Rather than just traditional pubs going back to their roots though, it seems a different type of drinking establishment is gaining momentum and getting real ale into thirsty drinkers' hands: The micropub. The growth of micropubs - from zero ten years ago to a predicted 200 by the end of the year - has helped to get real ale into spaces a traditional pub couldn't fit, filling the gaps on our high streets and improving choice for beer drinkers. Roger Protz, Editor of the Good Beer Guide 2016 says: "Micropubs prove the old saying that ‘small is beautiful'. Many of them are based in disused buildings, they have low overheads and can offer beer at sharper prices than many traditional pubs. They have carved out a new relationship between drinkers, publicans and brewers." The first micropub, the Butcher's Arms in Herne, Kent, is based, as the name suggests, in an old butcher's shop. It was launched 10 years ago by Martyn Hillier, who was named CAMRA's Campaigner of the Year for 2015 for his inspirational work in launching the Micropub Association and encouraging beer lovers to open small pubs in empty premises. Hillier says there are well over 150 micropubs in the UK - all of which serve real – and that he expects this to grow to over 200 by the end of 2015. "Micropubs go back full-circle to how pubs used to be, when people actually talked to one another. If you get fifteen people together in a nice environment then conversations are going to spark." But Martyn is keen to stress that beer is equally important too "The quality of beer is parallel to the conversation and is the reason people visit in the first place – real ale is central to everything for us." The pub's beer casks are mounted in the old butcher's freezer room, where there's room for just eight casks. Overhead's are minimal and the biggest start-up investment was installing air conditioning to keep the beer fresh and cool, taking the total spend on the pub to just £5,000. The single room pub has space for 10 people sitting and 20 standing. "The record number of customers has been 37 – and that was like being on a London Tube train!" Martyn says. The success of the Butcher's Arms quickly spawned more micro-pubs in Kent. Herne Bay now has two while Margate has three and Dover four. A former funeral parlour in St Peter's near Broadstairs lives up to its roots by specialising in holding wakes. Prices are also kept keen by the low overheads and customers are involved in choosing what appears on the bar by requesting beers for the pub to order, with a focus on locally sourced micro-brewery beers. Editor Roger Protz adds: "Micropubs are appearing like mushrooms at dawn and are offering beer lovers choice, keen prices and convivial meeting places. They now exist as far north as Northumbria, across into Lancashire, in Wales and the West Country. There are two in that bastion of beer-making, Burton-on-Trent, which is not short of traditional pubs as well." The Butcher's Arms and over 4,500 other independently selected pubs feature in this year's Good Beer Guide.

2015-10-19	THE SMALL HOUSE
New research released to mark the launch of the Good Beer Guide 2016, shows 70%* of all pubs now serve real ale, compared to just a third when the book was first published in 1975. Rather than just traditional pubs going back to their roots though, it seems a different type of drinking establishment is gaining momentum and getting real ale into thirsty drinkers' hands: The micropub. The growth of micropubs - from zero ten years ago to a predicted 200 by the end of the year - has helped to get real ale into spaces a traditional pub couldn't fit, filling the gaps on our high streets and improving choice for beer drinkers. Roger Protz, Editor of the Good Beer Guide 2016 says: "Micropubs prove the old saying that ‘small is beautiful'. Many of them are based in disused buildings, they have low overheads and can offer beer at sharper prices than many traditional pubs. They have carved out a new relationship between drinkers, publicans and brewers." The first micropub, the Butcher's Arms in Herne, Kent, is based, as the name suggests, in an old butcher's shop. It was launched 10 years ago by Martyn Hillier, who was named CAMRA's Campaigner of the Year for 2015 for his inspirational work in launching the Micropub Association and encouraging beer lovers to open small pubs in empty premises. Hillier says there are well over 150 micropubs in the UK - all of which serve real – and that he expects this to grow to over 200 by the end of 2015. "Micropubs go back full-circle to how pubs used to be, when people actually talked to one another. If you get fifteen people together in a nice environment then conversations are going to spark." But Martyn is keen to stress that beer is equally important too "The quality of beer is parallel to the conversation and is the reason people visit in the first place – real ale is central to everything for us." The pub's beer casks are mounted in the old butcher's freezer room, where there's room for just eight casks. Overhead's are minimal and the biggest start-up investment was installing air conditioning to keep the beer fresh and cool, taking the total spend on the pub to just £5,000. The single room pub has space for 10 people sitting and 20 standing. "The record number of customers has been 37 – and that was like being on a London Tube train!" Martyn says. The success of the Butcher's Arms quickly spawned more micro-pubs in Kent. Herne Bay now has two while Margate has three and Dover four. A former funeral parlour in St Peter's near Broadstairs lives up to its roots by specialising in holding wakes. Prices are also kept keen by the low overheads and customers are involved in choosing what appears on the bar by requesting beers for the pub to order, with a focus on locally sourced micro-brewery beers. Editor Roger Protz adds: "Micropubs are appearing like mushrooms at dawn and are offering beer lovers choice, keen prices and convivial meeting places. They now exist as far north as Northumbria, across into Lancashire, in Wales and the West Country. There are two in that bastion of beer-making, Burton-on-Trent, which is not short of traditional pubs as well."

2015-09-01	DEAD END TUNNEL
Tunnel Brewery have sold their plant and at present are brewing at Elliswood.

2015-06-18	NIMBY
Sharp's has admitted Doom Bar in bottles is no longer brewed in Cornwall and has not been for two years. Critics have argued that this makes it a Burton style brew, after the place where it is now brewed for bottling. Some, who have longer memories will remember the argument put forward by real ale drinkers at the time of the takeover. Then they argued that the brewer Molson Coors would do what any large brewer would seek to do, create economies of scale by moving brewing away from Sharp's roots. While this has not, for most part, been carried out - 80% of Sharp's output for Doom Bar is still produced in Cornwall - for some it is the thin edge of the wedge, creating a possibility that more of the production will be moved when people who try the bottled version do not get the same taste from the draught.

2015-05-15	MILLER TIME
The craft brewer Meantime, based in South London has been acquired by the giant SABMiller corporation, renown for brews such as Miller Lite and Peroni. Meantime gives SABMiller a new string to its bow and a foot in the door of the new revolution in brewing, Craft. Given this is a fast growing segment of the British beer market, it is no wonder the larger corporations want to get in on the action. Part of the appeal of the purchase is to allow SABMiller to target female drinkers who appreciate a different sort of beer. The focus going forward for SABMiller will be to put Meantime beers in all national outlets. Meantime is a good example of hoe the British beer market has become electrified by real ale and craft beers. Sales grew at Meantime by 58% in 2014. There was no news at this time on how the beers will be dispensed, via gravity or gas tap, but SABMiller's existing UK beer brands are gas pumped. The acquisition of Meantime is expected to be completed in June 2015.