Pub of the Year 2024 (West Cheshire Area)

We are pleased to announce that the winner of West Cheshire CAMRA's Pub of the Year for 2024 is The Cavern of The Curious Gnome in Chester. Congratulations to Neville and all the staff on a well deserved achievement.

In second place was The Cellar Chester closely followed by The Olde Cottage, both previous multiple winners and a reflection of the high standard of this year's competition. The other shortlisted pubs were Bondies Bar in Ellesmere Port and The Brewery Tap Chester, both highly commended by the judges.

The Cavern of The Curious Gnome will now go up against the Pub of the Year winners for the other CAMRA branches in the county for the title of Champion Pub of Cheshire. We wish them the best of luck.

Cider Pub of the Year 2024 (West Cheshire Area)

We are pleased to announce that the winner of West Cheshire CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year for 2024 is That Beer Place in Chester, Stocking over 100 real ciders and perries, the judges were spoilt for choice. Congratulations to Dale, Lisa and all their staff on a well deserved win.

The Cellar, a multiple previous and regional winner and Sandstone in Westminster Park tied for 2nd place while The Brewery Tap and The Old Harkers Arms also scored highly with the judges reflecting the great choice for Cider lovers in Chester.

That Beer Place will now go up against the Cider Pub of the Year winners for the other CAMRA branches in the county for the title of Champion Cider Pub of Cheshire. We wish them the best of luck.

Previous Winners (West Cheshire Area)

2023 - The Cellar, Chester

2022 - The Olde Cottage, Chester

2019 - The Olde Cottage, Chester

2018 - The Olde Cottage, Chester

2017 - Telford's Warehouse, Chester

2016 - Olde Cottage, Chester

2015 - The Cellar, Chester

2014 - The Cellar, Chester

2013 - Brewery Tap, Chester

2012 - Brewery Tap, Chester / Telford's Warehouse, Chester (joint)

2011 - Pied Bull, Chester

2010 - Brewery Tap, Chester

2009 - Old Harkers Arms, Chester

2008 - Blue Bell, Tushingham

2007 - Old Harkers Arms, Chester

2006 - Bunbury Arms, Stoak

Previous Winners (South Clwyd Area)

2023 - The Magic Dragon Brewery Tap, Wrexham

2022 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2018 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2017 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2016 - Colliers Arms, Ponciau

2015 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2014 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2013 - Royal Oak, Wrexham

2012 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2011 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2010 - Bridge End Inn, Ruabon

2009 - Sun Inn, Llangollen

2008 - Peal o'Bells, Holt

2007 - Rose & Crown, Graianrhyd (no longer our branch)

2006 - Rose & Crown, Graianrhyd (no longer our branch)

Pub of the Season

The Pub of the Season, and other awards, are on an ad hoc basis, again decided by a vote within the branch based on earlier nominations. Unlike the annual award there is no set criteria for a pub to meet in order to win other than serving well kept cask ale. For instance, a potential Summer PotS doesn't have to be festooned in hanging baskets nor a Winter one need have a blazing inglenook fire surrounded by ceiling high oak settles. We would prefer nominations to be from non-GBG pubs or those that have not had an award in the previous couple of years. They are awarded at the discretion of the branch and several recipients have since gone on further to win a place in the GBG or our coveted Pub of the Year award. ........................................................................................................

Pub of the Season: Winter 2015 ( joint ) Colliers Arms, Ponciau / Wheatsheaf, Nomansheath

Two fine nominations neither of which deserved to be runner-up so we opted for a joint award. Geraint & Esme at the Colliers Arms run a smart, tidy, friendly local pub and have been making a big push of promoting cask ale an area where it's especially thin on the ground. Meanwhile Ant & Em the Wheatsheaf are doing a splendid job reviving this village pub where, amongst other things, they are creating a niche market for vegan food.

Previous: n/a (2014), Royal Oak, Wrexham (2013), Ffrwd, Cefn-y-Bedd (2012), Pied Bull, Chester (2011); Black Lion, Bersham (2010); Brewery Tap, Chester (2009); Carlton Tavern, Handbridge (2008); Ship Victory, Chester (2007)

........................................................................................................

Pub of the Season: Summer 2014 The Piper, Hoole, Chester

An enthusiastic pub on the very outskirts of Chester catering for all tastes. In recent times its quality and choice of real ales have come on leaps and bounds. Sharps Doom Bar is the permanent beer while the guest range, earning it LocAle status, often features Spitting Feathers, Peerless and Liverpool Organic.

The Piper >> Previous: n/a (2013), Goshawk, Mouldsworth (2012), Old Cottage, Chester (2011); n/a (2010); Queen's Head, Sarn (2009); Sun, Eryrys (2008); Pheasant, Higher Burwardsley (2007); Willey Moor Lock Tavern, nr. Whitchurch (2006)

........................................................................................................

Outstanding Community Pub 2013 Offa's Dyke, Broughton

1970's estate pub belonging to the John Barras chain; host of many sporting teams, live music, karaoke night, as well as other events.

Offa's Dyke >>

........................................................................................................

Pub of the Season: Spring 2013 Glynne Arms, Hawarden

Re-opened in impressive style in May 2012 retaining many features of the original 200-year-old coaching inn plus some admirably quirky decor. It serves up to five, generally locally sourced guest ales.

■ Glynne Arms

Previous: n/a (2014, 2012); Stamford Bridge, nr Tarvin (2011); n/a (2010); n/a (2009); Corn Mill, Llangollen (2008); n/a (2007); Griffin, Gresford (2006)

........................................................................................................

Angie and Spadge at the Royal Oak, HoolePub of the Season: Autumn 2012 Royal Oak, Hoole, Chester

Despite its modern décor and appearance the Lodge Bar, with its competitive pricing policy and enlightened selection of changing guest beers, attracts plenty of cask ale drinkers thus ensuring a timely consumption of the goods on offer. It also shows a bar doesn’t have to be of the traditional ‘Olde Worlde’ ilk in order to win awards or, more importantly, provide a good experience for the customers.

Previous: n/a (2013), Bawn Lodge, Hoole (2011); Royal Oak, Wrexham (2010); Bridge Inn, Boughton (2009); n/a (2008); Nag's Head, Lavister (2007); Peal o'Bells, Holt (2006)