A pub in Greater Manchester could be crowned CAMRA’s Pub of the year for 2022. The awards have categories for the best pubs, clubs and cider across the UK, and Wigan’s Real Crafty has been shortlisted in the top 16.
The regional finalists will now battle it out for the National Pub of the Year Crown - one of the highest accolades given to Britain’s pubs. The shortlisted venues are judged on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, Inclusivity and overall impression - though the main box worth ticking is having the best beer, real cider and Perry.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Ben Cusick, Manager of Real Crafty said: “It's a bit wild because we’ve only been open for two years and six months of those we were in lockdown. To be nominated in such a short space of time, and go up against institutions like The Smithfield is pretty humbling.
READ MORE: New pub opens in the home of former iconic Northern Quarter boozer
“For a little bar in Wigan to be up for this award is really nice, and good that people are enjoying what we're doing. We were trading just nine weeks before the tier system came into place, and have been open again since last April - it was all guns blazing really to make something new and different for Wigan.”
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition added: “This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our beloved pubs as they jump from one crisis to yet another one. The fact that we’re still seeing such shining examples of pub excellence despite these challenges is incredible, and a real testament to these winners.
“I’d encourage everyone to go out and support their local and even seek out these fantastic pubs in your area – they really are the cream of the crop and uphold the very highest standards of what makes a great pub.”
Located in Wigan town centre on the former site of Bar Legion, Real Crafty is described as a “real ale and craft beer emporium”. Here, visitors can try up to five real ales dispensed via handpull, alongside craft beer, cider and Perry served from 30 keg fonts.
The pub’s Beer Atlas also offers a collection of beers in bottles and cans from around the world, while draught products can be canned with the on-site canning machine for takeaway. A popular weekly quiz is hosted on Tuesdays, plus there are frequent tap takeovers and Meet the Brewer events alongside live music.
The competition was put on hold for the last two years due to the pandemic, and was last won by the Bell Inn in Aldworth, Berkshire. The overall winner will be announced on 30 November.
The regional announcement comes as CAMRA closes its Summer of Pub campaign, which saw one final push over the bank holiday weekend to encourage pub-going. The voluntary organisation is currently urging all punters to support their local pubs after an incredibly difficult few years for the industry.
A recent YouGov survey has shown that people are cutting back on the regularity of their pub visits at a time when pubs are facing spiralling energy costs and a cost of goods crisis.
READ NEXT:-
- What Manchester Pride means to me
- Playgrounds Manchester kids loved - that probably wouldn't be built today
- In pictures: the parties, singalongs and fashions of day three at Manchester Pride
- Manchester's best beer gardens to make the most of the sun
- Nadine Coyle parties with Popstars friend from 20 years ago
