Pub of the Year Competition
The Pub of the year is an annual competition held by CAMRA to find the "best" Pub in Britain.
Pubs are judged on a number of criteria which include:-
- Quality of Beer
- Atmosphere/Style/Décor
- Service & Welcome
- Clientele Mix
- Sympathy with CAMRA Aims
- Good Value
The competition progresses through local, regional and national stages.
The 2010 Competition
Still awaiting information from members.The 2009 Competition
For 2009 we chose the Carters Rest at Wroughton as our Pub Of The Year (POTY). It has been in
the Good Beer Guide for a number of years.
We think this is a good choice because the Carters Rest serves a wide range of beers, is a great local with lots of
community events and a smashing atmosphere. These are all outstanding attributes, which make it a good choice for POTY.
The 2008 Competition
For 2008 we chose the Five Bells at Wootton Bassett as our Pub Of The Year (POTY). It has been in
the Good Beer Guide for a number of years.
We think this is a good choice because the Five Bells serves a good choice of beers, has a
wonderful atmosphere and serves excellent food to name just a few of its outstanding attributes.
The 2007 Competition
Our nomination for this year is the Red Lion at Cricklade (no stranger to this competition over the years).
We will be presenting a certificate to the Red Lion on 18 July some time after 20:00 for being
Pub Of The Year (POTY) for Swindon & North Wilts CAMRA Branch.
This is a worthy nominee because of the quality of its beers and the pub's atmosphere among other
great attributes.
The 2006 Competition
Our nomination was once again the Check Inn, North Wroughton. It was beaten in the regional competition by the Tom Cobley Tavern, Spreyton, Devon. However, this was no disgrace as the Tom Cobley Tavern went on to win National Pub of the Year 2006.
The 2005 Competition
Our nomination for this year is once again the Check Inn, North Wroughton. The certificate for Swindon & North Wilts Pub of the Year was presented on Wednesday 8th June.
The Check Inn is the South West Region Pub of the Year. Ian Packham, CAMRA South West Regional Director, presented the certificate to Landlord Doug Watkins on Friday 16th September. Check Inn Presentation (748kb).
Commenting on the award Ian Packham said "It is good to see that the hard work and commitment to Real Ale of landlord Doug Watkins has continued, which reflects on his success in gaining this award and follows on from his runner up position last year." He continued "There is tremendous competition for this award and the Check Inn was up against some very stiff competition, including winners of this and other CAMRA awards".
Ian also praised the use of lined glasses as an example of the good value the pub provides.
Responding to the award Doug said "This is tremendous" and praised the contribution of all the staff. Staff celebrate (700kb).
The Check Inn made it into the last 4 of the national competition where it was was beaten by The Swan at Little Totham in Essex. Never the less, making it into the last 4 is still an excellent result. More details at www.camra.org.uk/ Essex pub voted ‘Best in Britain’ or BBC Essex.
Ian Packham presented the certificate marking the Check Inn as a national competition finalist to Landlord Doug Watkins on Friday 31st March.
Check Inn Finalist Presentation (113kb). At the event the Check Inn was also nominated as the Swindon & North Wiltshire Pub of the Year for 2006, making it 3 in a row for the Check!
The 2004 Competition
Our nomination was the Check Inn, North Wroughton. The Check Inn was the runner up within the South West Region, just beaten by the New Inn at Halse in Somerset.
Peter Bridle made the presentation to Landlord Doug Watkins Check Inn Presentation (553kb).
The Fat Cat in Norwich was eventual the National winner, and the only pub to have been voted best pub in Britain twice since the competition began in 1988.
The 2003 Competition
Our nomination was once again the Red Lion, Cricklade.
The Red Lion was successful in the regional competition and was the CAMRA South West Regional Pub of the Year.
Unfortunately it was beaten in the National stages of the competition. The eventual winner was the Crown & Thistle in Gravesend, Kent.
The 2002 Competition
Our nomination was the Red Lion, Cricklade. Unfortunately it was beaten in the regional competition by the Boringdon Arms, Turnchapel, Plymouth.
The 2001 Competition
Our nomination was the Check Inn, North Wroughton. Unfortunately it was beaten in the regional competition by the former national winner the Blisland Inn, Blisland, Cornwall.
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