THREE Stourbridge pubs have scooped the top three awards in CAMRA’s quest to find the best real ale boozers.
The Stourbridge & Halesowen branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has announced the winners of its annual Pub and Club of the Year competition after assessments by local CAMRA members.
First place in the pubs category has been awarded to the Robin Hood in Amblecote, which was found to offer a range of excellent ales - scoring the highest overall marks in eight categories.
They included quality, condition, promotion and knowledge of the beers, cleanliness and hygiene, community focus, service and welcome, style, décor and atmosphere, sympathy with CAMRA’s aims and overall impression and value.
The Robin Hood in Collis Street dates from 1868 and was once owned by William Oliver’s Talbot Brewery and later by William Butler’s Springfield Brewery. It became a free house in 1990.
The Swan in Brettell Lane, Amblecote, has been awarded second place.
The pub, which won the award last year, was originally known as the Swan with Two Necks and dates back to at least 1841. After closing for a short time, it was acquired by the Furious Pub Company, refurbished and reopened in October 2021.
According to CAMRA members, it offers a selection of real ales, niche lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks in traditional, homely and cosy surroundings – with a “pleasant garden” to the rear.
The Queen’s Head in Enville Street, Stourbridge, was voted third.
The venue, CAMRA’s Pub-of-the-Year in 2020, was previously home to Edward Rutland’s small brewery and is now a popular Black Country Ales’ pub serving a range of cask-conditioned beers from Black Country Ales and other smaller breweries.
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Meanwhile, the local CAMRA branch’s Club-of-the-Year award has been awarded to Coombs Wood Sports & Social Club, Halesowen. Members said it consistently offers a range of well-kept, cask-conditioned ales and also holds occasional beer festivals.
Stourbridge & Halesowen CAMRA spokesperson Steve Pratt said: “These pubs and clubs thoroughly deserve their awards, particularly during the challenging times they’re currently facing.
“It’s great to support our local pubs and clubs and recognise our award-winning venues, which consistently serve good quality real ale throughout the year. Long may they prosper!”
The Pub-of-the-Year presentation will be made on April 10.
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