Bristol pub scoops top CAMRA award
October 19 2009
The Orchard Inn, Bristol
A Bristol pub has been named the winner of the National Cider Pub of the Year 2009 by consumer group CAMRA.
After a year of local and regional judging rounds, The Orchard Inn, Bristol, has taken the National award after impressing the judges with its unrivalled commitment to serving quality real cider and perry. Judges also noted the pub's attitude to promoting real cider and perry to the consumer, and the friendliness and knowledgeable nature of the staff.
Situated in the heart of maritime Bristol, the one-bar street corner local has become a popular destination for the discerning cider and perry drinker. Stuart Marshall, Orchard Inn licensee, only took over the pub last November, and with the idea of pushing more traditional products to his customers, went about organising cider events to complement the wide array of choice at the bar. As demand took off for real cider and perry, 'Cyder Sundays', Marshall's one-off cider sessions, became a daily fixture.
Said Stuart:'As I only took over the pub last year, it's great to know I'm doing something right, and that what I'm selling is of interest to people in the local area. I really wasn't aware what I was doing was so special, therefore I am thrilled to have won this award from CAMRA.'
Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA's Cider and Perry Committee, said: 'The Orchard Inn is like visiting a mini cider festival, and it's a paradise destination for anyone who appreciates real cider and perry. Apart from the quality at the bar, we were also impressed by the knowledgeable staff who appeared determined to find something to suit every drinker's palate. The pub is a worthy winner, and it's very apt that it is called The Orchard!'
Other finalists for the National award were the Arkwright Arms, Sutton cum Duckmanton, Penrhyn Arms, Penrhynside, and the Stand Up Inn, Lindfield.
The Arkwright Arms was praised by the judges for its 'wonderful selection of ciders from all over the country, coupled with the friendliness of the staff.' The Penrhyn Arms was a 'very popular community pub and worthy winner of numerous awards both locally and regionally, with a handy cider menu available for drinkers.' And finally the Stand Up Inn was lauded for its 'good range of cider and vibrant pub atmosphere.'
Said Andrea: 'What we've seen this year is a really high standard of cider pubs emerging at a time when so many pubs are closing down. It just shows that publicans in the current climate are striving to differentiate themselves from other outlets and making that extra effort to offer something new to the consumer.'
CAMRA launches new promotion for pubs serving real cider
As National Cider Pub of the Year 2009, the Orchard Inn will be the first pub to be accredited as part of a new initiative from CAMRA.
As the number of UK pubs selling real cider and perry continues to increase, CAMRA is introducing a new window sticker initiative to inform consumers where real cider is being sold. CAMRA hopes the scheme will make it easier for drinkers to recognise a cider pub, and give support for such pubs at a time when many are looking to diversify in order to offer something new to their customers.
Andrea Briers, Chair of CAMRA's Cider and Perry Committee, placed the first-ever 'Real Cider Sold Here' sticker in the window of the Orchard Inn, but is keen to stress that any pub serving real draught cider or perry all year round is eligible for this accreditation from CAMRA.
She said:
'If a pub is serving real cider all year round, and it is of a good and consistent quality, we encourage them to contact us, as we'd like to do everything we can to drive custom towards their pub. This accreditation scheme is all about showcasing the availability of real cider, increasing sales of real cider and supporting pubs at a time when 52 are closing nationally per week.'October 19, 2009
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