There are now quite a few pub awards and I felt that it is only right that MARKSALEHOUSE should choose the "Best of the Best" from the pages of this web site and present an award.
I thought hard about how to judge for the award. How to cover all entries without some type of exclusion (I would love to have had a criteria for cask ales!). Still, it did eventually appear to be easy (says who?). The criteria? All those things that make a good business, whatever it is.
- Consistent quality of product served (food, drink or accommodation).
- Customer service.
- Staff friendliness, knowledge and approachability.
- Attention to detail.
- Cleanliness.
- Value for money.
- Wish to revisit.
The choice was very hard and there were quite a few to choose from. One bar did stand out just enough to win the certificate. Maybe you agree - maybe you don't!
THE 2006/7 WINNER?
FIND
OUT NOW!
HOW DO CAMRA BRANCHES DECIDE THEIR PUB OF THE YEAR?
CAMRA has quite strict guidelines which each branch is given and must adhere to. The branches have to organise regular visits to every real ale outlet in their area. They go along the lines of,
BEER: For CAMRA this is the single most important factor. Quality rather than quantity counts.
FEEL: The decor and atmosphere mean the pub must be a nice place to be in, the decoration fitting for the type of pub and with respect to the building. Any pub is eligible, from a back street boozer to the most modern pub - all have their places as long as they are excellent in their own terms and not a set formula.
SERVICE & WELCOME: Prompt and efficient service that is friendly. Top ups on short measures without having to ask.
INCLUSIVE: A good cross section of people and age groups without operating to exclude some sections of the community. Thus a pub with a comfortable feel.
VALUE: Not the cost of items but all round value for money. Was the total experience worth coming back for?
SUPPORTING CAMRA: Obviously, does the pub support CAMRA's values which, along with cask ale include many other items.
The branch now has the opportunity to nominate the local POTY award winner for the Regional award and finally CAMRA's "National Pub of the Year". (My thanks to John Cryne - ex CAMRA Chairman - for the above succinct clarification).
Has anyone seen a pub in the North with The James Joyce Award for an authentic Irish pub? The pubs are inspected by the James Joyce Bloomsday Committee.
The only one I know of at present is Cullen's, Tandragee.
If you have, please let me know.
