Liverpool played host to the prestigious Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) awards last night, with local pubs coming out on top.
The coveted awards recognises the best pubs, clubs, beers and cider across the UK. In the grounds of the KIND Centre on July 5, Liverpool and Districts CAMRA held its much anticipated celebratory event, which saw nine Liverpool venues crowned winners.
Like many events and ceremonies, the CAMRA awards have been postponed for the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Slowly but surely, the hospitality sector is bouncing back after the difficulties felt under lockdowns.
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The evening's festivities kicked off with the presentation of CAMRA's Pub of Excellence Awards. The winners were as follows:
The Four Ashes
23 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, L22 0LD
A family run micro pub in Waterloo which, in the relatively short time it has been open, has gained a reputation for good quality beer from local and regional brewers. The pub was unable to attend the event, but CAMRA will ensure it receives its award.
Keystone
Formerly at 23 Hope Street, L1 9BQ
A bittersweet victory for this venue, which has recently been forced to close. While it was open, it made a big impact on the real ale scene in Liverpool and was lauded for its quality beer and food.
Lion Tavern
67 Moorfields, L2 2BP
Last year's Pub of the Year winner, the Lion is a mainstay of CAMRA's Pub of Excellence awards. The venue can be found in a beautifully preserved building, complete with a striking glass dome in its roof. The Lion consistently has a decent selection of real ales on offer including at least on local beer.
Liverpool Pigeon
14 Endbutt Lane, Waterloo, L23 0TR
This Crosby micro pub has been the recipient of CAMRA's Pub of the Year award in the past, thanks to the high quality ales it offers punters. Though no representative for the pub was able to attend the event, CAMRA will ensure it still receives its award.
Roscoe Head
24 Roscoe Street, L1 2SX
Another regular recipient of the CAMRA awards, this iconic Liverpool pub first opened in the 1830s. It's had many owners and licensees over the decades and is now in the hands of Carol Ross.
The historic venue is tucked away down a back street, where it serves locals and tourists from up and down the country who've travelled specifically to sample the fine ales in a cosy setting. It's one of only five pubs in the UK to appear in every edition of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide since it was first published in 1974.
Pub of the Year - The Bridewell
1 Campbell Square, L1 5FB
This unique pub, which has been crowned CAMRA's Pub of the Year, is based inside a Grade ll listed building, dating from the mid 19th century. It used to be a former jail and allows guests to enjoy a pint in an old prison cell.
CAMRA has praised its "second to none" service, as well as its high quality beer. The venue boasts a quaint courtyard and is an ale lover's haven, stocking cask beers including one local beer and a range of craft keg and continental beers. Earlier this year, the beloved pub was awarded two prestigious tourism awards.
Cider Pub of the Year - The Augustus John
Peach Street, L3 5TX
This year's victor in CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year competition is one of the few pubs in the city centre that serves a range of real ciders, consistently stocking and championing the much loved beverage. Popular pub The Augustus John first opened in the 1960s and is run by the University of Liverpool. Conveniently located on the university's campus, it offers students an ideal introduction the delights of real cider.
Club of the Year - Firwood Waterloo Rugby Club
St Anthony's Road, Blundellsands, L23 8TW
This award was presented by CAMRA's Club of the Year coordinator Tony Morgan, who sited the club's support for real ale as one of the reasons for its success, as well as its commitment to the community. Firwood Waterloo Rugby Club runs programmes for young people, encouraging them to play sports and it also supports local brewery, Rock the Boat, by serving its beers.
Special Award - Community Pub of the Year - The Lock and Quay
2 Irlam Road, Bootle, L20 4AH
The Lock & Quay is a pub owned and managed by social enterprise, SAFE Regeneration, and all its proceeds are reinvested back into community projects. The pub is based in Bootle, on the Leeds Liverpool canal, with the ground behind it frequently used to host outdoor events for the whole community. Events include a canoe club, an annual real ale and sausage festival, and the increasingly popular Bootle Music Festival.
Following the presentation of the awards, a cheque for £900 was presented to Steve Yip from KIND. The money was donated by beer festival goers via unused beer tokens. To find out more about CAMRA, click here.
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