CAMRA National Cider and Perry Month, October 2012
National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2012 winner– ‘Royal Oak, Newbury Street, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 8DF, 01235 763129
Presentation– Monday October 1st, 1pm, at the Royal Oak, all media welcome, with photo and interview opportunities available
Issued: Friday September 28th 2012
Status: Embargoed until Monday October 1st (00:01 hrs)
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has today announced that the Royal Oak, Wantage, has been judged as its National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year for 2012 after a year of local and regional judging rounds. News of the Oxfordshire pub’s success is announced on the day CAMRA kicks off its annual National Cider and Perry Month campaign to champion the production, history and skill associated with real cider and perry making.
Owned and run by landlord Paul Hexter and his wife Frankie since taking over the premises in 1983, the Royal Oak is a multi award winning street corner pub famed for its extensive drinks selection, and also renowned for being an active supporter of local charities, holding regular fundraising events.
Adding to the list of past awards, the pub has today been crowned by CAMRA as the best cider and perry pub in Britain, with the Royal Oak stocking a formidable 15 ciders and perries at any one time, the majority of which are sourced from the local area. Aside from the pub’s excellent range, judges praised the owners for their support of local producers and dedication to promoting the real cider industry to customers.
In the quest to become the best cider and perry pub in Britain, the Royal Oak beat 3 other National finalists to the accolade. These pubs are-
– Arkwright Arms, Sutton cum Duckmanton, Derbyshire
– Graduate College Bar, Lancaster University, Lancaster
– Horns Lodge, South Chailey, East Sussex
On hearing of his success, Paul Hexter, Royal Oak licensee, said:
‘We’re always extending our cider and perry range as we enjoy supporting and learning more about local cider producers and sharing that information with customers. We are thrilled to be in the position of receiving such an award, especially at a time when the real cider industry is growing, with some producers expanding out of all proportion.’
Sarah Newson, Competition Co-ordinator and Vice-Chairman of CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Committee, said:
‘The Royal Oak is a prime example of what can be achieved with a passionate and dedicated licensee at the helm, and it’s unsurprising the pub has also won numerous awards for the quality of its real ale.
‘In terms of product selection and knowledge of UK cider and perry producers shown by the bar staff, the pub is the perfect gateway to learning more about the nation’s historic cider making craft. It’s also somewhat of a haven for locals, with the pub placing a big emphasis on promoting local producers, just another factor as to why it today acquires the crown of best cider pub in Britain!’
The presentation to the Royal Oak as the National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2012 will take place at the pub on Monday October 1st 2012, from 1pm. All members of the press are welcome, with photo and interview opportunities available throughout the afternoon. For more information please contact Jon Howard, CAMRA Press Manager, on 07939 425471.
END
Notes to editors-
National Cider and Perry Month takes place in October each year to celebrate the production, history and skill associated with real cider and perry production. For more information on the Month, or to find an event near you, please visit www.camra.org.uk/
– 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 early spring when it is ready to drink.
For further information-
Jon Howard, CAMRA Press Manager, 07939 425471
Paul Hexter, Royal Oak licensee, 01235 763129
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee Chairman, 07732 754888
Sarah Newson, CAMRA Cider and Perry Committee Vice-Chair, 07769 660454