Camra’s National Pub of the Year 2011: Finalists revealed

16-Dec-2011 - Last updated on 26-Apr-2021 at 17:07 GMT

Related tags National pub Public house

The Harp in London’s Covent Garden is the present national champion in Camra’s flagship pub competition

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has announced the four finalists of its National Pub of the Year competition for 2011.

The final four pubs have reached the pinnacle of the competition which has been running throughout 2011, with local and regional judging rounds leading to the final hurdle.

Pubs are scored by Camra on various aspects which make up a great pub, including the atmosphere, decor, customer service, value for money, clientele mix, but most importantly the quality of the beer served.

The four remaining venues up for National Pub of the Year 2011 are: -

Engineers Arms, Bedforshire

Camra says: “This lively two-bar pub in the centre of the village is a must for real ale fans, with 10 handpumps featuring a wide range and style of beers.”

Kevin Machin, Engineers Arms licensee, said: “We are elated to have reached the final four, and it’s a great honour. Everyone’s so excited around here that we’ve reached this stage of the competition.”

Bridge End Inn, Wrexham

Camra says: “This former coaching inn close to the station has been completely revitalised since it was taken over by the McGivern family in 2009. It was voted Camra Branch Pub of the Year in 2010.”

Peter McGivern, Bridge End Inn licensee, said: “We are genuinely chuffed to be in the final, being a small family business having only taken over the pub two and a half years ago.”

Front, Falmouth, Cornwall

Camra says:"Tucked away in a corner of the picturesque Custom House Quay, this small cellar-style pub with low-vaulted ceiling lies below Trago Mills store."

Matt Reay, Front general manager, said: “It’s a quite unbelievable achievement for us bearing in mind we are only a little bar on the waterfront. We put so much work into serving our beer in tip top condition, and we are dedicated to giving good service to our customers."

Swan with Two Necks, Lancashire

Camra says: "A true local in every sense, with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and traditional, home-cooked food with ingredients from local suppliers. The licensees are both Camra members and are celebrating their 25th anniversary running the pub.

Christine Dilworth, Swan with Two Necks proprietor, said: ‘We have never been recognised like this before, so to reach these final stages is fantastic. Being the national winner would cap a great 25 years running the pub!"

The Harp in London’s Covent Garden (pictured) is the present national champion in Camra’s flagship pub competition.