Probably the most secretive element of being an active CAMRA member is our trips out for Good Beer Guide Selection and judging various CAMRA awards. The start of March marks the end of the current process for the sub-branch of Stroud as we finish judging our branch (Gloucestershire branch) Pub, Cider Pub and Club of the Year.
Having spent the last eight weeks covering the sub-branch award winners from Cirencester; Dursley; Gloucester; and Forest of Dean (each sub-branch does not rejudge their own) our scores have been handed in. They will now be totalled with all of the other sub-branches scores to determine a single Pub, Cider Pub, and Club of the Year 2025.
Omitting dates, times and any indication of result we have succeeded in judging the seven venues across one weekday evening and three Saturdays. All but one venue was reached via bus. And our outings consisted of a rotation of about a dozen members who also made use of their time visiting several other locales.
Once the overall winners are announced, they will proceed to the newly reorganised Gloucestershire County Awards, which will be judged by mid-May. Those winners then face the winners of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire for the West Central crown.
If you would like to get involved with this process, or any other element of CAMRA society please get in touch via e-mail or Facebook. Our March branch meeting will see the official beginning of the Award judging year for 2026. These visits are not promoted outside of those who actively attend branch meetings and put themselves forward to judge. You do not need any previous experience other than appreciation for good beer and the willingness to out for a couple of pints of an evening.