Britain’s Best Pub: Camra’s National Pub of the Year revealed

By Luke Nicholls

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags National pub Public house

The Baum pub in Rochdale is Camra's National Pub of the Year
The Baum pub in Rochdale is Camra's National Pub of the Year
The Baum in Rochdale, Lancashire, has today been crowned the best pub in Britain by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) in its National Pub of the Year competition.

The pub, run by husband and wife Simon and Heidi Crompton, was awarded for ‘all the criteria that make a great pub’ including its atmosphere, value-for-money and the quality of beer.

“We're ecstatic to hear that we have been voted Camra’s National Pub of the Year,” said Heidi. “We're very proud of the team that have played an important role in The Baum’s success and it is a testament to their hard work that the consumers have recognised our pub with this prestigious award.

“The Baum is a family-run pub with our values influencing every aspect of the business in relationships with our staff and suppliers. We're dedicated to the ‘buy local, shop local’ initiative - always willing to support independent businesses.

Converted hardware store

“The support from the regular customers and local Camra members is valued and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

The building was converted into a pub from a Morris’s Hardware Store in the 1980’s. Simon Crompton then started work at The Baum in 1993 and became manager a year later. In 2005, Simon and Heidi bought the pub together, just two days after having their first child.

Camra’s 2013 Good Beer Guide​describes The Baum as ‘A split-level hostelry with old world charm next door to the world’s first co-operative store. It has eight handpumps, one dedicated to cider, and a large variety of continental bottled beers.

‘Winning formula’

The Guide continues, ‘Excellent food includes vegetarian dishes, with a tapas menu available throughout the week. There is an upstairs dining/function room. The large rear garden, overlooked by a conservatory, contains two full-size pétanque pistes.’

Camra's pubs director Julian Hough added: “This close-to-town pub has a winning formula which is well supported by customers. The range of quality products and their fresh modern approach means I’m delighted to crown The Baum our National Pub of the Year.

“Go and see it for yourself and experience what a brilliant pub it is”.

The three other finalists:

  • Bridge End Inn, Ruabon,Wales​ – winner of CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year last year​and the first Welsh winner of this award. Taken over by the McGivern family in 2009, it sells five different real ales.
  • Conqueror Alehouse, Ramsgate, Kent​ – Ramsgate’s smallest free house, where ale and cider are served straight from barrels. It offers a quiet, music and TV free atmosphere in which to enjoy a pint or two.
  • Tom Cobley Tavern, Spreyton, Devon​ – a former CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 2006, it sells 14 different real ales every week, plus 20 ciders in a pub that is ‘part of community life’. 

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