The railway platform pub was hailed as a ‘quirky, fun little place to be’ and ‘a good reason to miss your train’ by competition judges.
It beat pubs, clubs and cider houses from all over the UK, and three other national finalists - The Royal Oak in Wantage, Oxfordshire, the Penrhyn Arms in Penrhynside, Wales, and the George and Dragon in Dent, Cumbria.
Now in its ninth year, the award is given to the venue which best promotes and encourages sales of quality real cider and perry.
'Overjoyed'
Landlord Ian Pinches, who runs the pub with his wife Lesley Ann Pinches and their son Callum, said he was “overjoyed and very humbled” to receive the award.
“We wish to thank our customers, supporters and suppliers – in particular special mention must be made to Charles Roberts and the team at Pickled Pig and Paul Fisher and the directors of The Small Beer Company - who, between them, have been very supportive in either making or sourcing fine ciders for us,” he said.
High quality, local produce
He added that as a “micropub” he remains focussed on selling high quality ciders, some of which are made by people he knows personally, using locally grown apples. However, he also stocks cider and perry from across the UK, with some regular favourites alongside a frequently changing range of ‘guests’.
Andrea Briers, chair of CAMRA’s cider and perry committee, said: “The number of pubs that have found a market for real cider is increasing each year, which has meant that the competition has become very tough.
“I am lucky enough to live fairly close to the Railway Arms and have seen the work that Ian, Lesley-Ann and Callum put in to make the pub a welcoming local. Well done to them on their achievement and congratulations for a well-deserved win.”
Campaign
CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Month campaign will take place throughout October, asking pubs around the country to encourage customers to enjoy a real cider and perry at least once during the month. Hundreds of events will be hosted by participating pubs and CAMRA branches.