Aldworth pub wins West Berkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023

A traditional village pub has scooped West Berkshire CAMRA's Pub of the Year award for 2023.

The Bell Inn, in Aldworth, has been recognised with many local, regional and national Pub of the Year awards.

Its latest win will see the pub pass through to the Berkshire round of the Central Southern region competition, pitting it against Reading's Ale House and Maidenhead's A Hoppy Place.

The Bell Inn previously won the CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 1990 and 2019 and has featured in every edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide since 1979.

On Tuesday, West Berkshire CAMRA chairman Andy Pinkard presented the certificate to landlord Hugh Macaulay, and said he was confident the pub had all the qualities needed to win through again.

"The Bell, under Hugh's most excellent stewardship, represents the very essence of a traditional pub; welcoming, inclusive and sociable," said Mr Pinkard. "It is an honour to present the award on behalf of CAMRA branch members."

With its unchanged appearance, The Bell Inn is described as having "a historic pub interior of national importance" in the guide to Historic Pub Interiors, maintained by the CAMRA Pub Heritage Group.

It offers a range of real ales and ciders from local suppliers including Indigenous Brewery, SOX Brewery, Amwell Springs Brewery and Tutts Clump Cider.

A recent addition to the beer range is Five Giants brewed by Aldworth Brewing Company. The nano brewery is run by Mr Macaulay's son James in an outbuilding behind the pub.

And additional brewery capacity is already being considered to meet customer demand.

West Berkshire CAMRA has arranged a social for current and prospective members to celebrate the award at The Bell Inn on Saturday, April 1, at 2pm.

Other recent winners of the West Berkshire CAMRA Pub of the Year award include The Lion, Newbury and The John O'Gaunt, Hungerford.