Real ale gem beats 28,000 clubs to win National Award
Issued: Thursday 21st March for immediate release
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, in association with Club Mirror Magazine, has today announced the Cheltenham Motor Club, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire as the National Club of the Year.
The Motor Club blew away the judges with the small clubhouse’s excellent selection of quality real ale thanks to the high level of cellarmanship by Club Steward Neil Way.
John Holland, Chairman of CAMRA’s Club Committee and the Club of The Year Competition Coordinator said:
“The long established CAMRA Club of the Year, run in conjunction with Club Mirror magazine, is the only competition which rewards Clubs for the quality of their real ales. As to be expected all four finalists exhibited great commitment to serving their members real ales in tip-top condition so therefore the judges had a very difficult task to find a winner. However the range of beer styles available at Cheltenham Motor Club was a deciding factor.”
Club Mirror and CAMRA joined forces three years ago in the quest to find the best real ale clubs in the land, with regional winners announced on November 10 at Club Mirror’s 2012 Club Awards. Judge and Club Mirror Magazine Editor Sean Ferris added:
“The subsequent judging proved a difficult – though enjoyable – task! The professionalism of real ale clubs and the quality of serve is immensely impressive.”
Cheltenham Motor Club Steward Neil Way was delighted to hear they had won this national award. He said:
“As a member of CAMRA for quite a few years, on a personal level it is one of my biggest personal achievements. I am devoted to real ale and to win such a coveted award makes me immensely proud. On a club level we are both shocked and absolutely over the moon to win such an accolade. It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet!! I’d like to dedicate this award to our great committee, bar staff, local CAMRA branch and a fantastic membership.”
All CAMRA branches vote for their local Club of the Year winner based on the quality of the real ale served and these are then judged to find the national winner.
Veronica Emary, Chair of CAMRA’S Cheltenham Branch, said:
“We are delighted to see Neil and the Cheltenham Motor Club win this prestigious CAMRA award. Neil has worked hard to achieve this high level of cellarmanship and varied beer selection. Having seen the cellar myself, I can say it is spotless. Many local CAMRA members are also members of the Club and CAMRA members come from all over the country to sample Mr Way’s wares. I recently met some members in Brighton who had visited the club. Our congratulations go to him and George (his wife).”
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The Award will be presented at the Cheltenham Motor Club (GL52 6SA ) at 1pm 21/03/13. Press wishing to attend or report on the event should contact CAMRA Press Manager Neil Walker on 01727 798443 (or on the day 07939 425471).
The Motor Club Cheltenham welcomes CAMRA members and is based in the former Crown Pub, Upper Park Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 6SA. Page 173 Good Beer Guide 2013.
For further information contact:
CAMRA Press Manager, Neil Walker
neil.walker@camra.org.uk
01727 798443
07939 425471