Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Wigan Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)

CAMPAIGNING for REAL ALE in WIGAN and surrounding areas

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Pub of the Year Judging Guidelines

Mike Fergie

Guidelines to be read in conjunction with the scoring form

Scroll down to access a printable version of the Guidelines if desired

CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR JUDGING: Introduction  

Pubs don’t have to be picture postcard, unspoilt gems to be a Pub of the Year. Pubs of all sizes and locations, such  as those located on a housing estate, modern city centre bars, micropubs or back street locals, where everyone is  made to feel welcome, can be considered for this award. 

Please find below a checklist to give you some guidance on what to look for in a Pub of the Year. 

CATEGORY 1 – QUALITY AND CONDITION OF REAL ALE / CIDER / PERRY 

  • It is the quality and condition that are important, and NOT the number available. 
  • Aspects to consider include: is it stale, is it too warm or too cold, and does it taste right for the style. Personal  tastes for particular styles must be ignored. 

CATEGORY 2 – PROMOTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF REAL ALE 

  • Is there clear and obvious support and promotion of real ale (real cider / perry if applicable)? Examples include:  meet the brewer (cider maker) events, beer festivals, and trips to breweries (cider producers) or other festivals. 
  • Staff should enthusiastically promote real ale (real cider / perry if applicable) and be able to answer simple queries in relation to these products. 
  • The provision of information on products, producers, suppliers, etc. is desirable. 

CATEGORY 3 – CLEANLINESS AND STAFF HYGIENE 

  • Toilets should be hygienic and clean with hot water, soap, suitable hand drying facilities etc. 
  • The pub should be clean throughout, including bar tops, tables and glasses. 
  • Staff should observe good hygiene practices, e.g. correct handling of glasses, not eating behind the bar, clean hands  and surfaces regularly etc. 

CATEGORY 4 – SERVICE, WELCOME AND OFFERING 

  • All should be welcome, and no offence caused to any section of society. This includes websites and other aspects  of social media. 
  • Service should be welcoming, friendly, polite, and also prompt whenever possible. If it is busy, a friendly acknowledgement of your presence is desirable. 
  • If a number of real ales are available a range of styles and strengths should be offered and a local product, where  available. 
  • Are other products/services that may enhance a visit available, such as quality soft drinks? 

CATEGORY 5 – STYLE, DÉCOR AND FURNISHING  

  • There should be a comfortable, pleasant and safe environment throughout. 
  • The style should show respect for the building and the décor should enhance it.
  • Furnishing should be in a good state of repair. 

CATEGORY 6 – COMMUNITY FOCUS AND ATMOSPHERE 

  • There should be a sense of community that is inclusive and welcoming to all age groups and sectors of the  community. Do regular customers interact well with strangers? 
  • There should be support for local activities, such as sports teams, local groups, and local celebrations. Is there a  notice board that lists local events, activities, or information on the local area? 
  • Is there a friendly atmosphere? 
  • Considering the time and day of the week, is it busy enough to create a good atmosphere?
  • Follow this link for further information 

CATEGORY 7 – SYMPATHY WITH CAMRA’S AIMS 

  • Prices and opening hours should be clearly displayed. 
  • You should get a full measure or a top up without asking. Are oversized glasses used?
  • Are there attempts to stimulate interest in the sorts of issues we’re concerned about? 
  • Real ale, cider or perry should not be sold using misleading dispense methods. 
  • It should be clear who has brewed ‘house branded’ real ale, cider or perry. 
  • There should not be any inappropriate noisy electronic amusement machines. 
  • Real ales should not be served through tight sparklers unless brewed to be dispensed in that way. 

CATEGORY 8 – OVERALL IMPRESSION AND VALUE 

  • This category covers the undefined elements that are not considered elsewhere. 
  • Did you enjoy your visit? Did you spend more time than you had expected or wish you had been able to stay  longer? Would you look forward to a return visit? 
  • Taking into account the style of establishment and its location, did you feel that you received reasonable value for  money? CAMRA discounts should not influence this.

Download and Print a copy of these Guidelines below (>>)