Winner - The Orchard Inn, Bristol, BS1 6XT
Presentation takes place at pub on Thursday October 1st, 1pm - all media welcome
Finalists -
Arkwright Arms, Derbyshire, S44 5JG
Penrhyn Arms, Gwynedd, LL30 3BY
Stand Up Inn, West Sussex, RH16 2HN
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today announced the winner of the National Cider Pub of the Year 2009 competition at the beginning of National Cider and Perry Month.
After a year of local and regional judging rounds, The Orchard Inn, Bristol, has taken the National award after impressing the judges with its unrivalled commitment to serving quality real cider and perry. Judges also noted the pub's attitude to promoting real cider and perry to the consumer, and the friendliness and knowledgeable nature of the staff.
Situated in the heart of maritime Bristol, the one-bar street corner local has become a popular destination for the discerning cider and perry drinker. Stuart Marshall, Orchard Inn licensee, only took over the pub last November, and with the idea of pushing more traditional products to his customers, went about organising cider events to complement the wide array of choice at the bar. As demand took off for real cider and perry, 'Cyder Sundays', Marshall's one-off cider sessions, became a daily fixture.
Stuart Marshall, Orchard Inn licensee, said:
'As I only took over the pub last year, it's great to know I'm doing something right, and that what I'm selling is of interest to people in the local area. I really wasn't aware what I was doing was so special, therefore I am thrilled to have won this award from CAMRA.'
Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA's Cider and Perry Committee, said:
'The Orchard Inn is like visiting a mini cider festival, and it's a paradise destination for anyone who appreciates real cider and perry. Apart from the quality at the bar, we were also impressed by the knowledgeable staff who appeared determined to find something to suit every drinker's palate. The pub is a worthy winner, and it's very apt that it is called The Orchard!'
Other finalists for the National award were the Arkwright Arms, Sutton cum Duckmanton, Penrhyn Arms, Penrhynside, and the Stand Up Inn, Lindfield.
The Arkwright Arms was praised by the judges for its 'wonderful selection of ciders from all over the country, coupled with the friendliness of the staff.' The Penrhyn Arms was a 'very popular community pub and worthy winner of numerous awards both locally and regionally, with a handy cider menu available for drinkers.' And finally the Stand Up Inn was lauded for its 'good range of cider and vibrant pub atmosphere.'
Briers continued:
'What we've seen this year is a really high standard of cider pubs emerging at a time when so many pubs are closing down. It just shows that publicans in the current climate are striving to differentiate themselves from other outlets and making that extra effort to offer something new to the consumer.'
As National Cider Pub of the Year 2009, the Orchard Inn will be the first pub to be accredited as part of a new initiative from CAMRA.
As the number of UK pubs selling real cider and perry continues to increase, CAMRA is introducing a new window sticker initiative to inform consumers where real cider is being sold. CAMRA hopes the scheme will make it easier for drinkers to recognise a cider pub, and give support for such pubs at a time when many are looking to diversify in order to offer something new to their customers.
Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA's Cider and Perry Committee, will be placing the first-ever 'Real Cider Sold Here' sticker in the window of the Orchard Inn on October 1st, but is keen to stress that any pub serving real draught cider or perry all year round is eligible for this accreditation from CAMRA.
Briers said:
'If a pub is serving real cider all year round, and it is of a good and consistent quality, we encourage them to contact us, as we'd like to do everything we can to drive custom towards their pub. This accreditation scheme is all about showcasing the availability of real cider, increasing sales of real cider and supporting pubs at a time when 52 are closing nationally per week.'
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Downloadable images: Orchard Inn exterior | Orchard Inn interior
The presentation to the Orchard Inn as the National Cider Pub of the Year 2009 winner will take place at the pub on Thursday October 1st at 1pm. Members of the press are welcome, and there will be a number of photo opportunities throughout the afternoon. Press wishing to attend the event are asked to contact Jon Howard on 01727 798443 or 07939 425471.
The press launch of CAMRA's 'Real Cider Sold Here' initiative will take place during the presentation on October 1st. To obtain an image of the launch, please contact Jon Howard at jon.howard@camra.org.uk
National Cider and Perry Month takes place in October each year to celebrate the craft industry of real cider and perry production.
For more information on the Month, or to find an event near you, please visit
www.camra.org.uk/cidermonth
- Real cider is a long-established traditional drink which is produced naturally from apples and is neither carbonated nor pasteurised. As cider is made from apples, perry is made from pears.
- As the fruit ripens throughout September and October, it is milled and pressed. The juice is then left to ferment and mature until April/May when it is ready to drink.
National Cider Pub of the Year winner -
Stuart Marshall
The Orchard Inn
12 Hanover Place
Bristol
BS1 6XT
01179 262678)
Award finalists -
Arkwright Arms
Chesterfield Road
Sutton cum Duckmanton
Derbyshire
S44 5JG
01246 232053
www.arkwrightarms.co.uk
Penrhyn Arms
Pendre Road
Penrhynside
Gwynedd
LL30 3BY
07780 678927
www.penrhynarms.com
Stand Up Inn
47 High Street
Lindfield
West Sussex
RH16 2HN
01444 482995
www.standupinn.co.uk
For further information:
CAMRA Press Office, 01727 798443
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee Chairman, 07732 754888
Sarah Newson, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee Vice-Chair, 07769 660454
Mick Lewis, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee (London), 07952 244687
Rhys Jones, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee (Wales), 01974 241255
Alistair Boyd, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee (Scotland), 01419 442016
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