Latest news with #CampaignforRealAle
Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
20 ‘must-visit pubs' in the Lothians chosen by drinker's bible The Good Beer Guide
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide features 20 pubs across the Lothians – and all of them are worth a visit. The annual publication, which surveys 4,500 of the best boozers across the UK, is renowned as the definitive beer drinker's guide. Browse our photo gallery to see the 20 pubs in the Lothians championed in the guide. 1 . 20 'must-visit pubs' in the Lothians - in pictures Take a look through our gallery to see 20 'must-visit pubs' in the Lothians, as chosen by drinker's bible The Good Beer Guide . Photo: Pixabay Photo Sales 2 . The Brig & Barrel - Bellhaven, Dunbar 8 High Street, Belhaven, Dunbar EH42 1NP Photo: Third Party Photo Sales 3 . The Old Clubhouse - Gullane East Links Road, Gullane EH31 2AF Photo: Third Party Photo Sales 4 . The Riccarton Inn - Currie Address: 198 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX Photo: Third Party Photo Sales Related topics: LothiansCAMRA
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Recycling tax threatens to drive us out of business', warn pubs and restaurants
Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to delay the introduction of a controversial eco levy amid fears that the tax raid will push struggling pubs, hotels and restaurants out of business. In a letter to the Prime Minister, hospitality companies warned that pushing ahead with an expanded levy on packaging will fail to boost recycling rates while fuelling price inflation and damaging the economy. They accused Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, of seeking to ram through the reforms 'far too quickly' and failing to pay 'due regard' to the damage it would cause to businesses that are already battling a tax raid by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor. The letter was signed by eight groups including UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale, and British Glass. Many hospitality venues say they are already on the brink following Ms Reeves's decision to increase employer National Insurance contributions, raise the minimum wage and cut business rates relief in April, which will cost the industry an estimated £3.4bn this year. But under the so-called extended producer responsibility (EPR) levy, they are now threatened with a 'triple whammy' of costs in October worth millions of pounds. This includes the direct impact of the levy itself, the costs they expect their suppliers to pass on, and what they already pay for commercial waste disposal, UKHospitality says. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, warned: 'You already have a third of outlets operating at or below break-even. 'Resilience is weak and margins have been squeezed until they are wafer thin. Another unnecessary tax will push many over the edge. 'Jobs and businesses are at risk and prices will inevitably rise.' The EPR scheme will see food and drink companies charged a levy based on how many tonnes of packaging such as glass, aluminium and plastic goes into their products. It is meant to change the way recycling is paid for, by making businesses contribute more towards the disposal of household waste that is currently handled by local councils. In theory, that is meant to incentivise those businesses to reduce the amount of packaging they use overall. But hospitality firms say the added costs will simply be passed on to them by their suppliers, and to supermarket shoppers through higher food prices. Earlier this year, fast food chain Burger King and pub giants Fuller's, Marston's, Punch Pubs and Stonegate Group warned against the policy, claiming it would add £2,000 to the annual running costs of a typical large pub. The British Retail Consortium has also estimated that the levy will add £2bn to the retail sector's costs. In their letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, hospitality businesses said the policy was badly designed because it would effectively force them to 'pay twice' for recycling. Many already pay separately for waste disposal through commercial services. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which Mr Reed leads, has pledged to consult on potential exemptions for 'non-household waste' but that process is not expected to begin until later this year. It raises the prospect that firms will have to pay higher levies in the meantime. Ms Nicholls warned that would be 'too late for too many firms'. On Sunday, a source close to Mr Reed insisted the Environment Secretary remained committed to the reforms and claimed he had the backing of Sir Keir and Ms Reeves. The reforms were repeatedly delayed under the previous government. Defra was approached for comment. The department has repeatedly insisted that the final costs of EPR remain uncertain and are likely to change compared to current estimates. It has claimed that the policy will help to reduce waste and boost recycling, and will stimulate £10bn of investment in domestic recycling, creating more than 20,000 jobs. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Britain's best 20 pubs for retro pints revealed – is one near you?
These pubs are ideal for enjoying this classic British brew CHEERS Britain's best 20 pubs for retro pints revealed – is one near you? SUMMER is approaching, and it's the perfect time to visit some of the UK's best pubs. Whether you fancy a riverside retreat, a lively beer garden, or a quirky spot with history, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has picked 20 pubs that offer something special. 11 From Norfolk to Leicestershire, and as far as Northern Ireland and Wales, the pubs on the list are perfect for enjoying a pint of mild This list comes from CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, and its chairman Ash Corbett-Collins is urging everyone to try a retro pint this summer – mild. Yes, mild... This underrated beer is making a comeback. It's lower in alcohol, packed with flavour, and perfect for sunny days without leaving you feeling too full. Ash said: "Celebrating CAMRA's Mild Month this May is a great way to try something a bit different and to support brilliant independent breweries across the country at the same time. "Mild beers are a great option at the bar during the warmer weather thanks to their sweeter flavour profile. "Cask conditioned mild beer is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as people recognise the great taste and quality of cask beer freshly made by artisan brewers, as well as exploring traditional British beer styles." From Norfolk to Leicestershire, and as far as Northern Ireland and Wales, the pubs on CAMRA's list are perfect for enjoying a pint of mild. So, why not raise a glass to Mild this summer? Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious first-timer, these pubs offer the perfect setting to enjoy this traditional British brew. Britain's best beer ranked New Plough Inn - Hinckley, Leicestershire 11 New Plough Inn - Hinckley, Leicestershire Credit: Facebook With outside seating at the front and a sheltered beer garden and heated, covered smokers' area to the rear of the pub, this pub is a great place to visit all year round but particularly in the summer. Open noon to midnight every weekend, they have won the Hinckley and Bosworth CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011, 2012, 2022 and 2023. Marston's Cask Ale Pub of the Year 2014 (South Region). Darts, dominoes, crib and skittles are played in the games room, and you can enjoy a fresh pint of Shipstone's Mild while you play. The Cricketers Arms - Saint Helens The Cricketers, home to St Helens' last remaining brewery, Howzat, has brewed a new beer to mark Mild Month. Launched on May 10, Gully Mild (3.5%) is a traditional dark brew served alongside a variety of other milds at the bar. The pub serves Real Ale and Cider and is dog friendly, with a brilliant beer garden – a great pub for these hot months. The Smithfield - Derby 11 The Smithfield - Derby Credit: CAMRA A handsome riverside pub with a central bar serving the main bar and separate quiet back bar. They serve Sarah Hughes – Dark Ruby Mild and were Derby CAMRA Pub of the Year 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024, as well as East Midlands Pub of the Year 2019. On a fine day the large outside terrace overlooking the river is very nice and we would highly recommend. Pharmacie Arms - Syston This pub features Shipstone's Mild on the bar and is also offering guest Milds throughout May as part of CAMRA's Mild Month. There's a lovely outdoor area with tables where you can sit and enjoy your drink. With its 1950s pharmacy theme, including medical artefacts, adverts, and even a skeleton in a dentist's chair, it's a quirky spot with live music every Saturday night. Southampton Arms - Kentish Town, London 11 Southampton Arms - Kentish Town, London Credit: CAMRA This small independent pub in Kentish Town has a total of fourteen handpumps serving almost equal amounts of ciders and beers from microbreweries across the UK. It has a lot of great traditional elements for example they play music on vinyl and the piano is in frequent use. It was the Local CAMRA Pub and Cider Pub of the Year 2024 and is currently featuring a Kent – Born to be Mild drink for punters to enjoy. Blackfriars Tavern - Great Yarmouth This independent pub was named Local CAMRA Pub of the Year and Regional Cider Pub of the Year 2024. It offers over 20 locally sourced real ciders, Mr Winter's Caramel Mild, and more than 100 bottled Belgian beers. Family, dog, and cyclist-friendly, it's the perfect spot to visit with loved ones this summer. Full list of CAMRA's top 20 pubs for mild beer Antwerp Arms - Tottenham, London Blackfriars Tavern - Great Yarmouth Chapter Arts Centre - Cardiff Dirty Duck Ale House - Holywood Drummer's Arms - Blackburn Duke of Wellington - Norwich George Inn - Portsmouth Grapevine - Exmouth Half Moon - Hitchin New Inn - Colchester New Plough Inn - Hinckley, Leicestershire Ostrich - Prestwich Pharmacie Arms - Syston Puckersley Inn - Royton Southampton Arms - Kentish Town, London The Cricketers Arms - Saint Helens The Smithfield - Derby Victoria - Walsall White Lion - Hampton in Arden Woolly Sheep - Skipton Grapevine - Exmouth 11 Grapevine - Exmouth Credit: CAMRA This great pub in Exmouth, have their beer supplied almost entirely by their own brewery on site. They always have at least three cask Ales on selection at any time and currently they are serving Crossed Anchors – Workmans Mild on draught. There is live music every Saturday and their rear garden patio is perfect to sit outside in during these next few months to sample their fantastic beer. Victoria - Walsall This two-roomed pub dating from 1845 is very close to the town centre and for the hot months ahead has a pleasant garden and smoking facilities at the rear. Open mic and quiz nights are held there regularly, and they have a pool table upstairs that'll keep you in there for hours. The pub currently has Church End – Gravediggers Mild on tap and is a great venue to visit when in the area. Duke of Wellington - Norwich 11 Duke of Wellington - Norwich Credit: CAMRA Friendly pub with a changing range of guest ales that are served alongside the permanent beers (mainly from Wolf brewery). Wolf in Sheep's Clothing is their latest offering of mild on draught. The attractive enclosed rear garden/patio area hosts a beer festival in late August, and regular barbecues at weekends in summer, making it an ideal spot for the coming months ahead. Dirty Duck Ale House - Holywood Perched near Belfast Lough, the Dirty Duck Ale House is a cosy haven. It boats three real ales, largely drawn from national and local brands and also has a great beer garden that is fantastic once the sun comes out. They also have a nook celebrating local golfing hero Rory McIlroy and are a two-time former local CAMRA Pub of the Year. George Inn - Portsmouth 11 George Inn - Portsmouth Credit: CAMRA Another pub with an interesting story, the George Inn was formerly a tram stop on the Portsdown and Horndean Light Railway. The pub offers extensive views over the city from their patio garden overlooking Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight. Serving cask ale and milds this summer, CAMRA would highly recommend. Chapter Arts Centre - Cardiff This former school turned arts venue is the perfect spot in Cardiff to find a great selection of cask beer. The guest beers are sourced from across the UK, and usually include small independents, supplemented by a local ale. They currently sell Brains – Dark Mild and it is a family friendly pub which features a community garden for you to sit in to enjoy this tasty beverage. White Lion - Hampton in Arden 11 White Lion - Hampton in Arden Offering a real high quality and quantity of cask beers, the White Lion in Warwickshire is a traditional country pub that is well worth its great reputation. Currently serving a Timothy Taylor – Golden Best Mild, the pub looks to rotate two of its regular beers every five to six months. There is a pub garden out the back and is a great pub at this time of year. Half Moon - Hitchin Friendly and welcoming one-bar pub dating from the 18th century. Nine ever-changing guest ales ensure that a variety of beer styles is available always. A former local CAMRA Pub of the Year and current Cider Pub of the Year, it is an excellent spot for a drink in the sun. New Inn - Colchester 11 New Inn - Colchester Credit: CAMRA A rare example of a two-bar pub. With a quiet, comfortable saloon bar and an open public bar featuring music, TV sports, and friendly conversation, this is a venue of two halves. The garden comes to life in the summer and with a great selection of cask beer available, we highly recommend this place. Antwerp Arms - Tottenham, London This CAMRA favourite community-owned pub is a must-visit, especially in the summer. The Georgian building, complete with a beer garden, is Tottenham's oldest working pub and has been serving the neighbourhood since 1822. It was saved from demolition in 2013 thanks to the efforts of the local community and CAMRA campaigners. Ostrich - Prestwich 11 Ostrich - Prestwich Credit: CAMRA Built over 300 years ago, this historic venue is a great Community pub with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The beer garden is an ideal place for families with children. Serving a Joseph Holt – Mild beer currently that will no doubt be a favourite amongst locals. Puckersley Inn - Royton The Purkersley Inn in Royton is another fantastic spot in Greater Manchester. It currently serves JW Lees Mild, a popular choice among visitors. This detached pub also offers stunning panoramic views over Royton, Shaw, and Oldham from its dining room and spacious beer garden. Drummer's Arms - Blackburn 11 Drummer's Arms - Blackburn Credit: CAMRA This pub regularly serves Three B's - Stoker's Slake Mild and is full of historic charm, with walls covered in breweriana and old pub signs. The bar offers a wide range of beer styles, from stouts to hoppy bitters, ensuring there's something for everyone. At the front, there's a cosy terrace with upcycled drum tables, perfect for enjoying a drink outdoors. Woolly Sheep - Skipton The highlight of this pub in summer is its traditional cobbled courtyard. It features decking with comfortable seating and a canopy, creating the perfect spot to relax. Here, you can enjoy a pint of Timothy Taylor Dark Mild at the bottom of Skipton High Street.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Tiny but cosy pub in Scots village wins top award after nearly closing
The bar was named the Pub of the Year for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) A small bar in a remote village has won a top pub honour despite almost closing in recent years. The Craft Bar in Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, faced an uncertain future as it fell into disrepair. But the cosy one-room pub was taken over by local councillor Paul Johnston, who has turned around its fortunes. And the drinking hole has pulled off a remarkable feat by being named Pub of the Year for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, represent those who enjoy a beer across the UK and they dished out gong thanks to The Craft Bar's impressive turnaround. While Johnston had worked behind the bar in his youth, he had never owned a pub, but felt driven to act when Pitmedden looked like it would be left without a local. 'When we took over the pub was in a very poor state and had severe problems,' he said. 'While it was challenging, as a councillor, saving a pub in my ward felt like the right thing to do.' Johnston was inspired by a close friend, fellow councillor Duncan Borrowman, who had turned around The Bailey Head pub in Oswestry, Shropshire, a venue that has since earned CAMRA's national Pub of the Year accolade. With the help of his wife Roseanne, Paul transformed The Craft Bar into a haven for drink connoisseurs. Today, the bar boasts over 300 wines, 80 gins, and a regularly rotating selection of craft beers sourced from across the north east. 'One of the big assets of the north east is how good our brewing and drinks industry is,' Paul said. 'We use Fierce from Dyce, Six Degrees North from Stonehaven, and beers from Speyside.' Two handpumps at the bar serve cask ales from a variety of breweries, supported by a wide-ranging selection of live key-keg beers from across the UK. The lager lineup changes regularly, often featuring crisp German and Czech pilsners, while cider lovers can enjoy a classic pour from Aspall in Suffolk. For those keen to sample more, a well-stocked fridge holds a comprehensive array of bottled and canned beers. And with a staggering 400 beers and wines available for takeaway or to enjoy in-house for a small fee, the choice is nothing short of impressive. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. That range, along with a clear commitment to quality, has made The Craft Bar a local gem, a place where Pitmedden residents and curious visitors gather to sample weekly selections and unwind in good company. 'I believe that well-run pubs have a great effect on the community. We help people come together and get things done – and there's no better thing than having a nice pint of beer to do it with,' he added. CAMRA praised the bar's inviting layout and thoughtful design: 'A one-roomed corner pub opened in November 2017 and run by an enthusiastic local CAMRA member. "Old church pews provide seating for some of the tables around the walls, whilst other tables are served by bench seating. Has mainly wooden flooring with tiling around the bar, which has a foot rail.'
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Secret bar inside a bar where you have to ring a buzzer to get in
Secret bar inside a bar where you have to ring a buzzer to get in Carmarthen still has its fair share of pubs and bars to chose from, but there aren't many anywhere in west Wales quite like this Welcome to Bar 316 in Carmarthen (Image: John Myers ) It was once said that Carmarthen had more pubs than lamp-posts. While I'm yet to count the lamp-posts that adorn the streets of Wales' oldest town, it is certain that dozens of pubs have fallen by the wayside in recent decades. People change, habits change, indeed society as a whole continually evolves. And when Covid-19 arrived on these shores just over five years ago, everything in the pub and bar industry changed immeasurably. According to the Campaign for Real Ale, more than a thousand pubs across Wales, England and Scotland closed in 2024, while more than 300 have shut between January and April this year already. With that in mind, people are looking at new ways to create something a little bit different in order to stand out in a fiercely competitive market. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . The Dog & Piano opened in Water Street in Carmarthen almost a decade ago. Like all pubs and bars in that time, it's had ups and downs and had its future plunged into doubt by lockdowns, rising rates and increasing bills, but it's still there. Only now, it's two bars in one, because the landlady has decided to cut off a section of it and create a rather unique space - a bar within a bar, if you will. Having leased the pub out before coronavirus hit, owner Nicola Morris has taken over the reins once more in recent years. 'It was a shell of a place so I had to start all over again,' said Nicola, who used to run a successful daytime restaurant in Carmarthen and a rural pub in the village of nearby Nantgaredig. Article continues below Nicola Morris, owner of the Dog & Piano and Bar 316 (Image: John Myers ) 'Drinking trends have changed since Covid. People want more than just a drink when they come out these days, and at the same time they don't have as much disposable income. These days it seems that if people are going out there needs to be a reason behind it, a celebration or a special occasion - people just don't seem to go out on a weekly basis in the same numbers anymore. 'Pub crawls are also a thing of the past. Carmarthen used to be notorious for them but we've just lost so many pubs. There used to be more than 50 pubs in town at one point. "Wetherspoons has changed things as well. When the local Wetherspoons was shut for refurbishment lots of local pubs benefitted, but since it's re-opened pub owners can't compete with what they can offer in terms of pricing.' The Dog & Piano, on one side of the building.... (Image: John Myers ) With the never-ending challenges of running a profitable pub or bar intensifying after the Covid lockdowns, Nicola split her establishment so that now customers have two options: The Dog & Piano, and Bar 316. 'The reason for splitting it in two was because attitudes have changed and I felt I had to do something,' added Nicola. 'People expect something a bit different now.' ....and Bar 316 on the other (Image: John Myers ) The Dog & Piano remains open as normal on Friday and Saturday nights, offering live music, karaoke, and a more traditional pub experience. But to the right of the bar, as you enter the building, you'll see a closed door with a doorbell, behind which you'll find Bar 316, a luxurious and mysterious 'speakeasy' cocktail bar transporting customers back to the 1920s with a late-night, private, exclusive feel. Beautifully decorated, dimly lit, it's an ideal place for that special night out. The door which grants access to Bar 316 (Image: John Myers ) 'I'd had the idea for a long time,' said Nicola. 'Perhaps even before Covid, but that certainly pushed me into it. I've been to a few speakeasy bars in places like Shrewsbury and Bristol, but I'm not aware of any others in west Wales. "The idea was to create that '20s and '30s vibe when people had to open secret bars which were often disguised as something else - back then you'd have another business with a secret door leading to a secret bar. Back then, if they were discovered, the police would just storm them and tip all the alcohol down the drain! What awaits inside (Image: John Myers ) 'I think people do like the idea of a sort of secret drinking den. If you come in here there's a sense that you could be anywhere - it's not really like being in Carmarthen, people have said. "It's for over 21s only and we use a video entry system so that staff can see who wants to come in - anyone is welcome but if you're too drunk you can't come in, although you're welcome to get drunk once in here, that's fine!' Nicola added with a laugh. 'There's a no standing rule, we want everyone to sit at a table or at the bar - that's the vibe we're going for. And of course if people want to get up and dance later in the evening they can go next door to the Dog & Piano. People have been very positive about it. The feedback has been really good because I think it's unique in Carmarthen.' Nicola Morris said she liked the idea of a 'secret drinking den' in Carmarthen (Image: John Myers ) Such is the level of positivity that Nicola mentioned, Bar 316 has recently started serving food, with tapas and small plates available, adding to the intimate and classy feel of the speakeasy setting. The bar is also available for private hire for parties or celebrations, with a maximum space of 60. As for the name of the bar, the meaning behind '316' is full of poignancy but also fond memories for Nicola. 'My dad Vic was a police sergeant in Carmarthen for decades, and his badge number was 316," explained Nicola. "He died in 2023 and this bar is a tribute to him. So the name was obvious, plus the fact he was a policeman just adds to the speakeasy vibe. Dad was not aware of the 316 idea, but he knew I was hoping to split the pub in two. He would have loved it I'm sure, he'd be here all the time!' The bar is proving popular with punters who want something a little bit different (Image: John Myers ) Nicola thought it was important that towns such as Carmarthen had different things to offer people, and that not all pubs were the same. Back in the good old days of town centre boozers, each establishment would be unique, each one providing a different experience to the next. That, in the days of chain pubs and bars, might have been lost to some extent, Nicola feared. 'People's priorities have changed in the last few years with the rise in bills and the cost-of-living itself,' she said. "So I do think it's nice to have different places to go in town and for people to have a variety of options rather than just pubs. People have been shocked when they come into Bar 316 because it's worlds apart from the Dog & Piano on the other side, which is more of a traditional pub. 'Supporting small, local and independent pubs, cafes and restaurants is the only way to keep them open,' she said. 'We have to use them otherwise we will lose them.' Bar 316 is open every Friday and Saturday evening. To find out more and to book a table, click here. Article continues below
