The Good Beer Guide 2008
CAMRA's annual bible of the Best Pubs serving Real Ale is published
21 September 2007 - The Good Beer Guide 2008 is eagerly awaited not only by the 87,000 strong membership of The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), but also by an army of walkers anticipating some well earned refreshment. This year's edition has added a green flavour, with the editor and well known beer enthusiast Roger Protz including an article on "Green Brewers", highlighting those with a strong belief in combating global warming and reducing carbon emissions. Only ten pubs from England and Wales, out of the thousands of entries that have appeared in the 35 editions of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, have appeared in every issue since it was first published in 1974. The Good Beer Guide is unique in that it is constantly surveyed by CAMRA's beer loving membership, ensuring the most up to date information on outstanding pubs in which to find a pint of real ale. The guide lists the best 4,500 pubs for real ale in Britain and includes information on every brewery in the UK. Good Beer Guide 2008 Editor Roger Protz said, “Any pubs that appear in the Good Beer Guide have to have been nominated by their local CAMRA branch after serving consistently high quality real ale. For any pub to have appeared in every edition for 35 years is remarkable, and it is only fitting that we applaud their dedication to the best in British beer.” CAMRA will award each of these ‘super' pubs with a commemorative plaque to mark this outstanding achievement. All of the ten pubs hope to host a special 1970's themed party to celebrate their first inclusion in the guide and this amazing achievement of never being excluded since! The 10 pubs, with a summary of their Good Beer Guide 2008 descriptions courtesy of CAMRA are: LONDON Star Tavern, 6 Belgrave Mews West, London (Belgravia) SW1X 8HT (020 72353019)“A Grade II listed building built in 1848, the Star is well known for its award winning ales and excellent food. The pub was reputedly used by members of the Great Train Robbery, and it is also associated with the notorious Lord Lucan.”
Buckingham Arms, 62 Petty France, London (Westminster) SW1H 9EU (020 72223386) “Located opposite the Wellington barracks and formerly a hat shop, this Grade II listed building became a pub in 1840. It has a curved mirrored bar and a drinking corridor used by the local working class during Victorian Times.” BEDFORDSHIRE Sow & Pigs, 14 Church Square, Toddington, Beds, LU5 6AA (01582 873089) “This 19th- century inn is heated by open fires, the long narrow bar is decorated with pigs, golf memorabilia and paintings of the pub by local artists.” CAMBRIDGESHIRE Queens Head, Fowlmere Road, Newton, Cambs. CB2 5PG (01223 870436)“Popular village establishment serving the local community, with a framed list of the 18 licensees since 1729 on display. Run by the same family for many years.” CORNWALL Blue Anchor, 50 Coinagehall Street, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 8EU (01326 562821) “Rambling, unspoilt 15th-century granite building with a thatched roof and its own brewery at the rear. There are no distracting games machines in the two small bars.” DEVON New Inn, The Hill, Kilmington, Devon, EX13 7SF (01297 33376)“Cosy, thatched Devon longhouse that was rebuilt after a major fire in 2004, but retains a warm atmosphere. Secluded gardens and the landlord's aviaries are attractive outdoor features, while a well used skittle alley is home to nine local teams.” DORSET Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset, BH19 3LF (01929 439229) “Run by generations of the Newman family for more than 100 years, this 200-year-old free house is a cosy haven in winter with roaring fires and flagstone floors. This local institution has its own museum and breathtaking views of the Jurassic coastline.” LIVERPOOL Roscoe Head, 24 Roscoe Street, Liverpool, L1 2SX (0151 7094365) “This traditional pub has been run by the same family for more than 20 years. Recently refurbished, it has retained the original layout with a tiny snug, bar, front parlour and back room.” NORTHUMBERLAND Star Inn, Netherton, Northumberland, NE65, 7HD (01669 630238) “Entering this unspoilt gem, privately owned and unchanged for 80 years, feels like entering the living room of someone's home. The beer is served on gravity straight from the entrance hall.” GWENT, WALES Cherry Tree, Forge Road, Tintern, Gwent, Wales, NP16 5TH (01291 689292)“Nestling on the steep wooded sides of the Anghidy Valley amid scenic splendour, the Cherry offers four real ales from smaller independents plus cask and bottled ciders. The pub's ground floor is the village shop and post office.” The Good Beer Guide 2008 features 53 new breweries and 1203 pubs nationwide that appear for the first time.
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