Big Win for the Tiny Tavern

The Lincoln Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale has chosen Lincoln’s Tiny Tavern as their overall Pub of the Year for 2024. The micropub is located on the Lower High Street in what was originally two of the 17th century cottages in the Grade II listed St Andrew’s Row.

Emma Chapman and her daughter, Steph, opened the Tiny Tavern in March 2020, just one week before the first COVID lockdown. However, since re-opening, they have built a strong following and a reputation for serving some of the best real ale in the city. This is hardly surprising, as Emma ran the Jolly Brewer on Broadgate from 2004 until 2013, while Steph worked there from 2004 until 2018.

The cosy lounge at the front of one of the cottages that comprise the Tiny Tavern has a window seat and fireplace. Towards the rear is a bar area with a dartboard. The other, linked cottage has the cellar room, plus an extra room which is available for community activities. There is a large garden to the rear. On the bar, the six handpumps feature beers from microbreweries near and far. They also serve traditional cider and perry.

Lincoln CAMRA chairman, Aaron Joyce, said, “It’s a tough job for our judges picking a top pub out of such a great set of contenders. Emma and Steph have shown how hard work and enthusiasm through trying times such as a world-wide pandemic pays off. They have taken a vacant building and turned it into the great micropub we see today, and this award shows how much that work is appreciated, not just by our members but by all that cross the threshold. So ‘Cheers!’ to the Tiny Tavern team, and well done to all the finalists.”

The Lincoln CAMRA Branch area covers a large part of the county which includes Market Rasen, Woodhall Spa and Leadenham, as well as Lincoln itself. It contains over 200 pubs. The Pub of the Year competition was divided into two categories, with CAMRA members voting for their favourite city pub and their favourite from the rest of the Branch area. Four judges then visited the top three city and top three country pubs to assess the quality of the beer, the atmosphere, the service and community focus.

The runner-up in the overall Pub of the Year competition is Lincoln’s Joiners Arms. The Dambusters Inn at Scampton and the Three Horseshoes, Waddington are joint winners of the Country Pub of the Year title. The other pubs in the final were Lincoln’s Strugglers Inn and the Ripon Arms at Nocton.

The Tiny Tavern now goes forward to the Lincolnshire round of the competition, where it will be up against the winners from the Gainsborough, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Louth, Grantham, Fenland and Peterborough CAMRA Branches.

Nominate your favorite beers

We’re currently looking for nominations for beers to enter this year’s competition! Voting for the next round of the competition is open from 8 September 2023, and runs until 1 November 2023.

You can now vote using our new, user-friendly online system, which allows you to cast your votes for a much wider choice of beers than ever before – from local brews to favourites from all over the country.

Voting is really simple and the new website includes a useful tutorial video to take you through the process. You can also consider getting involved in other stages of the competition, by volunteering to take part in Tasting Panels.

CAMRA announces the top 16 pubs in the UK

The top 16 pubs in the country have been announced by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) following a year of rigorous judging in its National Pub of the Year competition.

Covering the entire UK, the regional finalists battled it out with thousands of pubs across the country to be crowned the winner in their area.

The cream of the crop will now go forward to the grand final for the National Pub of the Year 2023 crown – the highest accolade afforded to British pubs. The final four will be announced in October, before the overall winner is announced early 2024.

Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry. Last year’s winner was the Tamworth Tap, Staffordshire which has once again reached the final 16.

In the wake of the demolition of the Crooked House, CAMRA recently declared the issue of unlawful conversion and demolition of pubs in England a ‘nationwide scandal’. In 2017 planning law was changed so that pubs in England could not be converted or demolished without planning permission, but shocking figures published by CAMRA last week show that over 30 pubs may have been demolished or converted without planning permission in the last six months. The recognition and celebration of top-quality pubs has never been more important in the fight to ensure that locals across the country are thriving and kept safe from demolitions such as these.

Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: “I am delighted to announce this year’s final 16 pubs. I would like to congratulate each and every one of them for their hard work against a difficult backdrop for the trade with increasing energy costs, business rates and the cost-of-living crisis impacting on people visiting pubs.

“It is testament to the winners that they are facing these challenges head on and they are a shining example to what can be done. I would also like to thank their loyal customers who continue to support them in these difficult times.

“There are thousands of amazing pubs across the country and I would encourage everyone to visit their local and seek out others where they live. Not only will that support local businesses, but pubs play a vital part in communities which we want to both protect, promote and see them thrive.”

The top 16 regional winners

Images of the winners

Central Southern 

Butchers Arms, Balscote

Hook Norton beers and a monthly guest are served straight from the cask behind the bar in this cosy parlour pub. Owned by the brewery since 1878, the building was once an abattoir and still has an icehouse in the garden. A roaring fire in winter and a lovely beer garden make this an all-year destination. Open all day at weekends and from late afternoon Monday-Friday.

East Anglia

Endeavour, Chelmsford

Cosy and friendly community pub, not far from the city centre in the popular Springfield Road area. Three rooms offer a welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy a selection of regularly changing casks ales. The pub hosts mini beer festivals, tap takeovers and regular charity events. There is a suntrap garden and the pub is dog friendly.

East Midlands

Horse & Jockey, Stapleford

Known locally as ‘The Jockey,’ this welcoming free house offers a choice of 13 real ales, including at least one mild or stout/porter, five of which are LocAle. A split-level pub with the main bar area featuring sofas and high tables and warmed by a wood burner, the upper seated area has tables and perimeter seating, a fish tank and sports TV. large gathering. The pub is dog friendly, with water and doggy treats being provided. Photographs of local landmarks and Stapleford from previous eras decorate, along with whisky water jugs hanging from the ceiling, a yard of ale (if you wish to attempt it) and many CAMRA publications and publicity material. Occasional brewery showcases highlight a range from a LocAle brewery along the bar while occasional beer festivals offer an extended range from temporary stillaging.

Greater London

Hope, Carshalton

Owned by its customers and totally free of tie, this community pub is ‘by beer enthusiasts for beer enthusiasts’. Two regular ales and five rapidly changing guest ales are supplemented by craft keg beers. There is a piano in the conservatory room but no fruit machines, TV or music. The pub has several times been either CAMRA’s Greater London Pub of the Year or the runner-up.

Greater Manchester

Fox & Pine, Oldham

A new and very valuable addition to the previously sparse Real Ale scene in Oldham Town Centre, the Fox and Pine is a real ale lovers delight. 10 hand pumps serving varied beer styles (there will always be at least one dark beer on) plus 6 Real Ciders. The pub also features 5 ABK fonts for those who like traditional Bavarian Beer. The Bar is downstairs with an open seating area, whilst upstairs are two linked rooms. It is all decorated with a Fox and Pine theme (The name referring to the origins of the owners from Leicester and Oldham).

Kent

Nelson Arms, Tonbridge

Situated in a quiet residential area within easy walking distance of the railway station and High Street. A range of six to eight beers across a range of styles representing national and local independent breweries is usually served. Up to 15 real ciders are also available along with craft keg beers.

Merseyside – Cheshire

Turks Head, St Helens

Attractive Tudor-style 1870s pub near the town centre. Real ales and real ciders are on 14 hand pulls, and there is a large whisky and gin selection. The upstairs Tower Lounge serves cocktails plus craft and continental beers and hosts live music on Saturday evening. There is a large beer garden to the side and rear with an outside bar and wood-fired pizza oven.

North East

Grey Horse, Consett

Traditional pub dating back to 1848, the oldest in Consett. The interior comprises a lounge and L-shaped bar, with a wood-beamed ceiling. Open log fires are welcoming in winter. Consett Ale Works Brewery is at the rear. Beer festivals are held twice a year, a quiz each Wednesday and open mic on Sunday. The Coast-to-Coast cycle route is close by. A repeat local CAMRA Town Pub of the Year, including in 2022.

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay, Fife

A community-focused village pub near Dalgety Bay, with cosy coal fires, a beer garden and real ales all adding to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The Tav, as it is known, has a traditional bar and a spacious area at the rear that is ideal for larger groups or functions and also hosts many village events

South West

Halfway House, Pitney, Somerset

An outstanding hostelry serving eight to 10 regional ales on gravity alongside many bottled beers and four real ciders. The inside is traditional with flagstone flooring, old solid wooden tables and benches, and three real fires. This rustic but busy pub deserves its many accolades and has been in this Guide for over 25 years, gaining the ultimate award of CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 1996.

Surrey & Sussex

Watchmaker’s Arms, Hove

This micropub has a small outside seating area on the pavement with two tables, which are well-used. The pub generally has four cask beers on sale, served from a cold room behind the bar, rotating fortnightly. Cask beers are almost always from small breweries, with many from Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent. Real cider is also always available, mainly sourced from local producers.

Wales

Magic Dragon Brewery Tap, Wrexham

Single-roomed pub that is the tap for the Magic Dragon Brewery, based just outside Wrexham. The pub is on the edge of what was known as the Beast Market, in a building that was originally the Elephant & Castle and after several changes of use is now pleasingly back as a pub. Its compact interior features bare brick walls and a wood-panelled bar. Six handpumps dispense at least three Magic Dragon beers including a dark ale.

Wessex

Barking Cat Alehouse, Poole

Popular, vibrant two-roomed alehouse serving an interesting choice of beers, mainly from small breweries around the UK. There are eight real ales and six traditional ciders or perries on handpump alongside 10 craft keg beers.

West Midlands

Tamworth Tap, Tamworth

An elegant building, home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap. The cosy upstairs rooms have Tudor features, the historic courtyard beer terrace to the rear offers striking views of Tamworth Castle, and there is café-style seating to the front. Eight hand pulls 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. There is a ‘CAMRA corner’ at the bottom of the stairs which includes a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides. The courtyard features regular live music with local performers, bat watch evenings, and the occasional screening of cult films on a large screen.

West Pennines

Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man

A long-standing real ale pub on the harbour, now owned by Odin and usually serving four of the brewery’s beers plus two guests. There are unobtrusive TVs showing sport. Outside is a small area of wooden bench seating that overlooks the harbour.

Yorkshire

Beer Engine, Skipton

A well-established micropub in a tiny street between the town centre and the canal, with a friendly and welcoming ambience. Six handpumps dispense varying beers, always including one blonde or pale ale and one dark brew, plus a character beer. Extended in 2022, the bar now includes craft keg fonts. A still cider and a fruit cider are also on tap alongside a selection of bottled beers, cans and wines.

CAMRA responds to the decision to extend COVID rules for takeaway pints

Commenting on the Government’s decision to extend COVID rules for takeaway pints, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: 

“It’s a good sign that the Government has listened and decided to backtrack on their plans to end the automatic permission for pubs to make off-sales. We hope that they have also been listening very carefully to the trade and consumers, who are also calling for a relaxation of the new tax rules around draught takeaway sales, which restrict many publicans from selling takeaway beer and cider regardless of whether their license allows them to do so. This is because the new rules force them to buy separate containers of draught beers and ciders, with a higher rate of duty paid on them if they want to sell them for takeaway. We are hopeful that the Government will remove these unnecessary restrictions soon.”

Thousands of pubs could face extinction 

In 2017 CAMRA helped win landmark planning protection for pubs in England, but this is under threat from a new Government proposal that would give permitted development rights for vacant high street pubs. High Street Rental Auction proposals could see developers convert high street pubs, with no way for communities to have their say. Email your MP today and ask them to stand up for high street pubs.

£2 bus fare extension good news for pubs

Government’s decision to extend cheaper bus fares in England will help keep pub-going affordable 

Speaking after the Department for Transport announced an extension to the capped £2 single journey bus fare in England until the end of October, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona commented: 

“£2 bus fares have helped to make getting to and from the pub more affordable. At a time when the beer and pub trade needs as much support as it can get, the decision to extend the cheap fares scheme until the end of October is undoubtedly good news. 

“Our local pubs, social clubs, breweries and cider producers are vital parts of community life up and down the country. That’s why CAMRA’s Summer of Pub campaign is encouraging as many people as possible to head down to their local this summer to enjoy the community spirit that only a pint of real ale or cider down the pub can bring. 

“We hope that the extended £2 bus fare scheme will help more people to support their locals over the next few months in an affordable and environmentally friendly way.” 

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