News
- Successful Local Launch for 2024 Good Beer Guide
Friday 29 September 2023
There was a great turn-out for the Berkshire South-East launch of CAMRA's 2024 Good Beer Guide, held at the Crispin, in Wokingham.
The Good Beer Guide is the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide and it continues to represent the best of the best in the brewing and hospitality industry.
The latest version was launched on Thursday, 28th September, with local events up and down the country.
In our area, Ange and Aid who manage the Crispin have seen their pub in the Guide for several years, with previous editions adorning a shelf in the pub.
Our branch Good Beer Guide Coordinator, Mike Tickner, presented them with a copy of the 2024 edition, together with pack containing posters and a "We're In It" window sticker.
There was a great turn-out on the night. It was good to see the Crispin buzzing. The branch's stock of copies of the new Guide quickly sold-out.
With 4500 pubs, bars, and clubs selected by unpaid volunteers up and down the country, the CAMRA Good Beer Guide is the best guide for pubgoers interested in being served a good pint of real ale, as well as those who wish to find a local near them that is welcoming and has many other benefits that may appeal.
- Mad Cow Issue 72 Out Now
Wednesday 23 August 2023
Issue 72 of our branch magazine the Mad Cow is now available. Look out for it in your local.
The magazine is also available to view online using the Issuu.com online reader. Here is the link for Issue 72.
As always, we hope that you enjoy this edition.
If you are interested in the back catalogue for the Mad Cow then recent editions can also be viewed and read from the branch Issuu.com page.
- Mad Cow Issue 71 Out Now
Wednesday 17 May 2023
Issue 71 of our branch magazine the Mad Cow is now available. Look out for it in your local.
The magazine is also available to view online using the Issuu.com online reader. Here is the link for Issue 71.
As always, we hope that you enjoy this edition.
If you are interested in the back catalogue for the Mad Cow then previous editions can also be viewed and read from the branch Issuu.com page.
- Newtown Pippin Wins 2023 Branch Pub of the Year Award
Tuesday 21 March 2023
We are delighted to announce our new Berkshire South-East Branch Pub Of The Year for 2023 which is the Newtown Pippin, in the Harmans Water district of Bracknell.
This prestigious award not only recognises the selling of top quality real ale, but places great emphasis upon the pub’s community focus, service & offering, cleanliness & hygiene, overall impression and value.
The Newtown Pippin beat very strong competition with its particular emphasis on the community and families. A family friendly pub, which has been transformed in last two years by pub leaseholders Simon & Vicki Powell. Since taking over, they have turned what was once a dilapidated, unwelcoming pub with no real ale into the vibrant pub it is today.
The presentation was made to Simon & Vicki by Branch Chair Kevin Lenton and Branch Pub of the Year Coordinator Mike Tickner during our social at the pub on the evening of March 23rd.
Mike Tickner, who is a local resident, stated "The transformation of this pub has been truly remarkable, and tonight’s award is a true reflection of all the hard work, dedication and vision that Simon & Vicki have brought".
Vicki, Simon and the team were overjoyed, with Vicki saying "This is truly amazing. I am lost for words, but much thanks must go to all our customers who have supported us so marvellously in the last two years."
Our warmest congratulations go to Simon, Vicki and the whole team at the Newtown Pippin.
- Mad Cow Issue 70 Out Now
Thursday 16 February 2023
Issue 70 of our branch magazine the Mad Cow is now available. Look out for it in your local.
The magazine is also available to view online using the Issuu.com online reader. Here is the link for Issue 70.
As always, we hope that you enjoy this edition.
If you are interested in the back catalogue for the Mad Cow then previous editions can also be viewed and read from the branch Issuu.com page.
- Old Manor Presented for 10 Consecutive Years in Good Beer Guide
Tuesday 7 February 2023
On 1st February, the branch made a presentation to the Old Manor in Bracknell as only pub in the area to feature in the last 10 editions of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
The branch's Chair Kevin Lenton presented the award to the pub's Manager Mike Daly.
As well as being the only branch area pub to feature in the last 10 editions, the Old Manor has featured in the last 24 consecutive editions - double the reason to celebrate them.
Branch Secretary Tony Springall said “All credit to Mike and his team, and also his predecessors. The Old Manor has been in the Good Beer Guide for 24 consecutive years which an achievement that very, very few pubs actually ever achieve.
“Within the southeast of Berkshire, it’s the only pub that’s been in for 10 consecutive years.”
He added: “The people vote for them on the basis of good beer, extremely well priced beer and a fantastic atmosphere."
Manager of the Old Manor, Mike Daly said: “We are so pleased that we were recognised for this after all these years in the guide.
“The pub has changed managers many, many times over the years and the fact that it has made it into the Good Beer Guide consecutively through all the different managers is a testament to everyone’s dedication to real ale.
“The selection that we offer and the training that we provide our staff to condition the ale have played a big part."
Our congratulations to those past and present who have helped in this achievement for the Old Manor.