1000 pubs signed up for Camra's cider pub accreditation scheme

29-Sep-2011 - Last updated on 30-Sep-2011 at 10:45 GMT

Ye Olde Cider Bar, which won the award for National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2011, is one of the last surviving cider houses in Britain

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has announced that over 1,000 pubs have now signed up to its cider pub accreditation scheme, ahead of National Cider and Perry Month which begins tomorrow.

The scheme, launched in 2009, aims to increase the visibility and trade of pubs serving real cider and perry by offering free promotional material such as window stickers, and a website listing.

Announcing the 1000th pub to sign up to the scheme as the Three Elms in Essex, Gillian Williams, Camra cider and perry committee member and administrator of the scheme, said: “When we started this scheme some people said we’d struggle to get 250 pubs signed up, so it’s simply amazing to have over 1,000 pubs involved.

“We know from Camra’s many beer and cider festivals that consumer demand is out there for real cider and perry, therefore it’s fantastic to see such a wide geographic spread of pubs involved with this exciting initiative.

"During this month of campaigning in October, we hope as many consumers - both first time drinkers and regulars - as possible find the time to visit one of these thousand-plus pubs across the country and try a drop of the real stuff.’

National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year

Meanwhile, Camra has also announced that Ye Olde Cider Bar in Devon has won the National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year award after a year of local and regional judging rounds.

Owned by licensee Richard Knibbs, winner of last year’s Camra Pomona Award, Ye Olde Cider Bar is recognised as one of only a handful of cider houses remaining in Britain

“I’m absolutely blown away, and had no idea I’d won I,” said Knibbs. “It came as a real shock, but I’m delighted, and it all comes down to the hard work, enthusiasm and knowledge of our pub staff.”

Sarah Newson, Camra cider and perry committee vice chairman and one of the final judges, said: “The bar showcased some of the best cider that Devon has to offer, which was served by friendly and knowledgeable staff who went out of their way to find a cider that the customer was happy with.

“All this, combined with the wonderful, very rare example of a traditional cider house setting which harks back to a bygone era, but which is welcoming to all ages and both locals and visitors alike, made Ye Olde Cider Bar a truly deserving winner.”

National Cider and Perry Month is taking place throughout October. For more information, visit www.camra.org.uk/cidermonth.