The Bell at Aldworth in the running for CAMRA Pub of the Year

They did it! And now they’re in the running for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year.

On Sunday afternoon, landlord of the Bell Inn at Aldworth Hugh Macaulay and his team were presented with the CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year award for the South Central area by Allan Willoughby and now go through to the nationals.

The Ridgeway hostelry was among 16 shortlisted pubs, beating thousands of entries to be crowned the best in their region and will battle it out for the chance to be named CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year.

The final four pubs in the running for the overall title will be announced next month, with the winner revealed in January.

CAMRA judges look for great atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.

The 16 pubs have been recognised as the best of the best in the UK and their shortlisting for the competition is testament to their quality and commitment to their communities.

The Bell Inn, a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 15th century in the centre of the downland village, with a gate through to the quintessentially English cricket field, has been owned and run by the Macaulay family for generations, going back around 250 years.

It has two cosy public rooms, outside benches and a cottage-style beer garden.

It hosts Morris dancers, musicians, mummers and wassailers, plus informal meets by classic vehicle enthusiasts and is well known for its generously-filled warm crusty rolls – good for soaking up the beer.

Having won CAMRA West Berkshire Pub of the Year and Berkshire Pub of the Year earlier this year they were praised by CAMRA judges: “It’s unique. It’s a family-run heritage pub that’s never been modernised.

“And it has very good beer – the excellent Five Giants, and Elleorde, brewed by the landlord’s son James in the micro-brewery at the back of the pub.”

Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s Pub of the Year co-ordinator said each of this year’s top 16 pubs have demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities.

These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special, from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all.