Latest news with #Camra
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Enthusiasm in bucketloads fires a special village pub's success
I come across a lot of enthusiastic people while writing this column but the ebullient Neil Hay, who owns and runs the Colvile Arms, in Lullington, takes enthusiasm to a new level, in a good way. Neil is a proper evangelist on the subject of pubs, although he came to the trade late, almost by accident. Having done so, over eight years, he's turned the Colvile Arms into a multi-award-winning pub and a quintessential village local, proving, too, that such a place doesn't always have to serve meals to thrive. The Burton & South Derbyshire branch of Camra have named the Colvile their 'out of town' pub of the year for a remarkable eight years running and Neil, rightly hugely proud of this, has an embroidered cushion for each of those awards in the pub's snug. That is just one example of the attention to detail he brings to every aspect of the job. So, how did it come about? It's a nice story, which began in Australia, where Neil met his wife, Becks, who is from Grangewood, just up the road from Lullington: 'We were both travelling,' he says. 'We met, then we came home from Australia as friends and met up again 10 years later at a party in London – we didn't know each other was going to be there. READ MORE: New shop set to open on 'vibrant' Derby street after fashion store's closure READ MORE: Vintage Derbyshire tea room that's 'better than Bettys' is like stepping into the past "We got together, going back and forward from London to here and eventually one of us had to move. I decided I wanted to. I felt that this was real life, a far cry from what I saw in Soho when I woke up – now I was seeing sheep and talking to people, which is great.' Neil worked in the pub as a barman for a few months after relocating – and then came the chance to buy the lease from the Goff family, who had been running it for some years: 'They said, look we're leaving, would you like to take this on? And I took one minute to say yes! I'd like to try and convey that, actually, it is a wonderful living, a wonderful way of working that you can be proud of – and it's the hardest I've ever worked in my life. 'If I had 24 more hours in a day, there's more I could do. There's always something to do, whether it be looking after the car park, the garden, the building itself. It's a full-on thing, but it's fantastic. I'd worked in hospitality, I'd worked for Ted Baker in retail, I've worked in sales and in hotels. What they have in common is customer service. 'I think that is getting lost in this country a little bit and that going above and beyond in a place that maybe people wouldn't expect it makes such a difference. If you go to the Savoy you expect it, if you go the Ritz you expect it but why shouldn't the farmer down the road get the same experience? I don't mean the quality of the produce necessarily, I mean the way they're made to feel.' I have, honestly, four times as much stuff from Neil on this subject than I can fit on a page but, hopefully, we're distilling what he's about and why this pub works. Here's more… 'I think the pub is a British institution, a place that people feel safe,' he says. "It's not just now about getting drunk or going for a beer – we sell more non-alcoholic stuff than alcoholic. People come here to socialise, to meet friends; they might just need a place to go to talk to somebody. I'm an agony uncle as well as a landlord! 'It's not just come in, buy, take away, sit down, drink, see you later. You can do that anywhere. They say people aren't so bothered about going out. Well, let's give them a reason to. We need to make people feel like, well, that's somewhere I want to go. I want to go there because I feel great there.' Neil never presumed to know it all, so he went to speak to people who've been in the trade longer: 'You've got to be prepared to learn and my challenge was that, yeah, there were many times when I sat with my head in my hands at the end of a shift going, what the hell am I doing? 'Why is my beer not as good as somebody else's? Why am I quiet tonight? My first six months were very difficult. I didn't know what I was doing and I went to other pubs. Some weren't willing to talk to me because they saw us as rivals and that's a shame but some were and I'm really glad I went because they helped me with so much, especially the cellar stuff. 'Good support from your friends and family really helps too and I'm lucky enough to have that. There's no manual for running a pub and the best way to do it is to work with each other.' The Colvile is neatly divided into several comfortable rooms, so games players are separate from people who want a quieter evening, while the garden is exceptional. Beer comes almost exclusively from local brewers, as Neil believes it should. While they don't do food, beyond bar snacks, street food vendors are invited along and there are plenty of events and promotions – that side of things is sorted out in the background by Becks. And somehow, the couple are also fitting in raising three children, Josephine (7), Harrison (6) and Cameron (4). 'Becks has been wonderful because she's managed to stay within the business but not being the landlady,' says Neil. 'She's not the face of it, she's put that down to me, but she is so important to what we've done, mainly due to the fact she's let me do it! And the staff are great. They make me look a hell of a lot better than I actually am and I'm very grateful to them.' Neil's enthusiasm is very infectious. The Colvile Arms really is a special place. Give it a go if you've not before. Enjoyed reading this article? You can find more of .
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Outcry over plans to demolish iconic Stroud pub
PUB-LOVERS are fighting plans to demolish an iconic Stroud venue. As revealed by the SNJ last week, the derelict Market Tavern in Union Street - best known as the site of the legendary Pelican in the 1980s and 1990s - could be demolished under fresh proposals being considered with the aim of improving the area. However the scheme has provoke fierce opposition from the Stroud branch of Camra - the Campaign for Real Ale. Members say they are 'appalled' by the idea of the building being bulldozed and believe the site still has the potential to be run as a successful pub. The group plans to 'vigorously' oppose the plans for the Tavern, which has been closed for more than a decade. While no formal planning application has been submitted yet, Stroud Town Council's highways and consultations committee backed initial proposals at a recent meeting. At the meeting Lawrence Pinkey of Setminds Limited discussed proposals for the site with the demolition of the building seeming likely. Tim Mars, pubs officer at Stroud Camra said: 'We are appalled at proposals to demolish the Market Tavern and will vigorously oppose them. 'In its heyday as the Pelican with Andy Thomas, Beaver and Lotte Lyster at the helm, it was lively, bohemian, eclectic, cosmopolitan and popular, and Stroud is a much duller place without it. 'It was the quintessential Stroud pub. 'It was my favourite town pub and I was a regular there from the moment I moved to Stroud in 1991. 'The Pelican was succeeded by a limp and dreary succession of relaunches and rebrands, re-named first as the Union Tavern and then as the Market Tavern, and passed through various hands, re-incarnations and re-inventions—all ending in failure. 'It's now boarded up awaiting rehabilitation or demolition. 'This is not about sentimentality or nostalgia. 'There is no reason to believe that the Pelican could not trade successfully as a pub with the right management. 'It has many things going for it. 'It has two bars and a function room (where bands, including my son's, used to play) and, uniquely in Stroud, a pub garden (the Ale House and the Lord John have paved courtyards.) 'It is a public house not a bar (which is a licensed shop) with landlord's accommodation above. 'In Stroud town itself, while we have lost the Swan (now two shops) and Shunters (now Sorrento, an Italian restaurant), there has been something of a renaissance. 'Since Wetherspoon opened the Lord John in the town's former post office and postal sorting centre in 1996, we have seen the arrival of the Ale House, the Corner House, the Curio Lounge, Brody's, the Town Owl Taphouse and, most recently, the King Street Social Tap while the Queen Vic is holding its own too.' 'Pubs and bars are thriving in the town as never before.' Speaking to the SNJ after last week's meeting, mayor Tony Davey said: 'The committee reviewed the proposals submitted by the developer and noted that the scheme has evolved over time in reflection of feedback, including that from public consultation. 'We are mindful of our own Neighbourhood Development Plan and how that defines this area as an important gateway to the town. 'Today, the site is not one to be proud of, but there is an opportunity for change and improvement. 'The site has already been altered by the creation of Cornhill, which changed the aspect and means the building faces away from the gateway. 'Stroud is not a chocolate-box image of a town, it is an eclectic mix of architecture and interpretation. 'This plan brings smaller, somewhat flexible retail units, more usable space than today, and enhances the important view to Rodborough by opening up the view. 'We have recommended that some of the quality stone in the building facade is repurposed in the new development, if approved. The plans may not be appealing to all, especially those with fond memories of what was once. 'Whilst we can shape the future, we cannot always bring back times of long, long ago.' Should the pub be demolished? Email letters@
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The most beautiful pubs in Britain: From street corner locals to attractive village beer houses, Camra reveals the UK's best-looking boozers
From an 'industrial chic' refurbishment to a stunning 17th century timber-framed building, these are Britain's most beautiful pubs in which to enjoy a pint. The venues from Suffolk to Staffordshire and Surrey to Norfolk are the winners of the Pub Design Awards 2025 run by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). Judges who are experts in design and conservation highlighted some of the UK's most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs. The winners were the Druid Inn in Gorsedd, North Wales; Borough Beer House in Farnham, Surrey; Forester in Ealing, London; Swan in Stratford St Mary, Suffolk; Bod in Lichfield, Staffordshire; and Peasants' Tavern in North Walsham, Norfolk. Andrew Davison, the judging panel chair, said: 'From inviting street-corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK. 'The craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded.' However, Camra awards committee chair Gary Timmins added that this year's results were 'tinged with sadness' because another winner had to close for good. The Python's Arms in Lyonshall, Herefordshire, was only converted from a 13th century rural farm a year ago, but has now shut due to financial pressures. Here are the winners of each category in the Camra Pub Design Awards 2025: Historic England Conservation Award Winner: Swan in Stratford St Mary, Suffolk 'The Grade II-listed timber-framed pub, believed to date back to the 17th century, has been carefully renovated and conserved by Boudica Inns, owned by Mark and Sophie Dorber. 'A glazed conservatory housing a new bar, servery and dining area has been added to the original building, designed by architects KLH of Ipswich. 'Judges admired how the contemporary design of the large extension, with an exterior finished in steel and glass, made a striking contrast between the older elements of the pub.' New Build Award Winner: Bod in Lichfield, Staffordshire 'Titanic brewery, Stoke-on-Trent has previously won awards for its conversions of existing buildings, but this is the first time that it has created a building from scratch. 'Architect and designer Mark Smith of Mark Smith Design has included several trademark bod design elements in an imaginative and stylish fashion. 'Judges admired the pub's industrial chic design, which makes use of recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes. 'The judging panel felt the new pub was a great addition to Lichfield's beer scene.' Joint winner: Borough Beer House in Farnham, Surrey 'A conversion of the former Bailiff's Hall in the historic Grade II-listed Town Hall Buildings, dating from 1674. 'Owner Mark Curran oversaw the conversion of the former dress shop, sensitively retaining existing features, including beamed ceilings, period fireplaces, wood panelling and a herringbone pattern floor. 'Custom crafted benches have been designed to be in keeping with the historic character of the building.' 'A conversion of a 13th century rural farm building at Penrhos Court, which once housed the Penrhos brewery owned by Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, owners Mark Bentham and Laura Lane have carried out a thorough renovation of this characterful building. Judges praised the rustic décor noting characterful design touches such as the lobby doorhandle shaped in the form of a python.' Refurbishment Award Winner: Druid Inn in Gorsedd, North Wales 'The latest addition to a small group of pubs owned by Pubs, a company set up by Jerry Brunning of Brunning and Price, and his wife Beth. 'Acquired in June 2023 after closure by Thwaites brewery, the Druid reopened in March 2024 after an extensive yet thoughtful renovation. 'Judges praised the refurbishment noting the pub's cosy nooks and crannies, a welcoming central bar, comfortable seating, quirky artwork, soft lighting, roaring fireplaces and a private dining room.' Commended: Peasants' Tavern, North Walsham, Norfolk 'Owner Charlie Holden employed DCP Architecture of Rackheath, Norwich, to design and oversee the refurbishment of the former market tavern. 'The interior has been given a careful make-over, with quality woodwork and furnishings finished in shades of green. Judges noted the use of old maps to relieve what might otherwise have been a rather dark interior as an interesting feature.' Winner: Forester, Ealing, West London 'A Grade II-listed pub featured in CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, with Edwardian fireplaces, art nouveau-style stained glass and even long-defunct remnants of gas lighting in the public bar. 'Owner Fuller's has carried out a very respectful refurbishment of the building, carefully conserving the historic features, and adding a first-floor function room to enhance the facilities the pub has to offer its community.'
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars
SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses. The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK. Advertisement 6 The UK's best-looking pubs have been revealed Credit: Camra 6 bod Lichfield was named the best new pub Credit: Camra The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England . Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards "recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added: "From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded." The best new build pub - meaning any that were built in 2024 - was bod Lichfield in Stratford. Advertisement Read more on pubs The "industrial chic design" with "recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes," were praised. It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year. However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk. Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is." When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 6 The Python Arms has sadly since closed Credit: Camra 6 Swan in Suffolk was given a top award Credit: Camra Advertisement Lots of previous guests called it a "gem" of a pub and praised the staff as well. Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good. Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey. Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub. Advertisement 6 The Swan has a great outdoor area as well Credit: Camra However, the Python's Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building. The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties. Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA's Awards Committee adding: "Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells. Advertisement "Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future .' Full list of the UK's best-looking pubs Best new build Winner: bod Lichfield , Staffordshire Best Historic England Conservation Winner: Swan , Stratford St Mary, Suffolk Best conversion to pub use Joint winner: Borough Beer House, Farnham, Surrey Joint winner (now closed): Python's Arms, Lyonshall, Herefordshire Best refurbishment Winner: Druid Inn, Gorsedd, Wales Commended: Peasants' Tavern , North Walsham, Norfolk Best community local Winner: Forester, West Ealing, London The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London. Here are the 6 The Druid Inn in Wales was praised for its refurbishment Credit: Camra Advertisement
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars
And the award-winning pub that has since closed down DRINK IT IN Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses. The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK. 6 The UK's best-looking pubs have been revealed Credit: Camra 6 bod Lichfield was named the best new pub Credit: Camra The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England. Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards "recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added: "From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded." The best new build pub - meaning any that were built in 2024 - was bod Lichfield in Stratford. The "industrial chic design" with "recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes," were praised. It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year. However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk. Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored. One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is." When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 6 The Python Arms has sadly since closed Credit: Camra 6 Swan in Suffolk was given a top award Credit: Camra Lots of previous guests called it a "gem" of a pub and praised the staff as well. Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good. Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey. Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub. 6 The Swan has a great outdoor area as well Credit: Camra However, the Python's Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building. The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties. Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA's Awards Committee adding: "Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells. "Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future.' Full list of the UK's best-looking pubs Best new build Winner: bod Lichfield, Staffordshire Best Historic England Conservation Winner: Swan, Stratford St Mary, Suffolk Best conversion to pub use Joint winner: Borough Beer House, Farnham, Surrey Joint winner (now closed): Python's Arms, Lyonshall, Herefordshire Best refurbishment Winner: Druid Inn, Gorsedd, Wales Commended: Peasants' Tavern, North Walsham, Norfolk Best community local Winner: Forester, West Ealing, London The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London. Here are the winning pubs last year.
