awards

Local Businesses Scoop a Treble for Somerset at National CAMRA Awards
The aficionados of the beer world gathered this Saturday 9th October at the Oval Cricket Ground in London to attend the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Awards lunch and 2010 Champion Beer of Britain Awards ceremony. The event, that is the biggest of its kind in the country, recognises and rewards people and businesses that work to raise awareness and the quality of Real Ale in the UK and proved particularly successful for three Somerset businesses.

Paul Davey and Graham Dunbavan of R.C.H brewery in West Hewish picked up yet another award to add to a collection covering many years. Their P.G. Steam ale was voted Champion Bitter of Britain, a richly deserved Gold medal for this superb beer. Of course having been brewing since 1984, the brewery is no stranger to success having picked up national awards for several of their other beers in previous years. Traditional beers, brewed to the highest standard are the hallmark of this brewing institution and continue to be recognised as amongst the very best that British brewing has to offer.

Rounding off a highly successful day for Somerset brewers, Justin Hawke of Moor Beer in Pitney picked up the Silver medal for his excellent Revival Bitter in the Champion Bitter of Britain competition, making it a fantastic one-two for Somerset brewers in the most fiercely contested and highly regarded category. Although lacking a West Country accent, Justin brings a passion for beer and the local area, as well as a tendency towards fusing the wonders of real ale with the aggressively flavoured beers of his native California. Justin’s insistence on using only the finest ingredients and adding that little bit of magic make Moor Beer one of the most exciting and innovative breweries not just in Somerset but in the UK as a whole.

Finally, Fred Wilde of West Country Ales picked up the National Retailer of the Year award, beating off competition from many larger and more established businesses throughout the country. Now in its second year of trading from the heart of Cheddar Gorge, West Country Ales triumphed through a combination of great customer service, willingness to source and stock unusual beers and ciders and above all a commitment to promoting genuine Real Ale in a bottle. Totally thrilled at having received the award, owner Fred Wilde insisted, “I’m really happy that the time and effort that I invest in my business (sometimes to my wife’s dismay) has been appreciated by CAMRA, the most prestigious brewing industry organisation. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of my loyal customers in store and online and the fantastic ales being produced by the breweries of the West Country. What man would not be happy to be able to make a living from indulging in his personal passion? This is West Country Ales first National award and has certainly given me a thirst for more, so watch this space!”