Golden Jubilee of CAMRA’s Oxford branch celebrated in style
Oxford CAMRA’s annual Awards Night was expanded this year to recognise some of the names that have had a lasting influence over half a century, while bringing the story right up to date by recognising two pub companies for their achievements during the last year.
Held once again in the attractive upstairs function room at Tap Social’s White House pub in Oxford, the celebrations attracted about 40 people to enjoy a Tap Social cask ale, Ruby Tuesday, plus cans of oatmeal stout Inside Out and a buffet.
First award went to Hook Norton, the only brewery in Oxfordshire to operate throughout the last 50 years, with managing director James Clarke telling us he has written a book about its 175 years of history, to be published later this year. Another special award went to the Rose and Crown pub in Oxford, which has been in the Good Beer Guide for 33 years of the last 50, more often than any other pub. Since 1997 it has appeared in every edition except one – a remarkable achievement for the Hall family.
Recognised for their recent achievements were two small, independent, family-owned pub companies that have really made their mark on the local scene over the last year or so. Oak Taverns is already well-known around the county, but over the course of a year it re-opened three pubs – the Sun in Wheatley, Crown in Marcham and Red Lion in Yarnton. The Crown and Red Lion had been closed for over a year, but have now been restored to their communities with the focus on real ale.
When the London-based Morgan Pub Collective was revealed as the new operator of the long-closed Grapes in central Oxford, it was warmly welcomed as an operator supportive of real ale and with the best interests of its pubs at heart – in contrast to some larger pub groups which treat them as disposable property. But Morgan then surprised us by re-opening the Gardeners Arms in North Parade Avenue, Oxford as well – so it was a great pleasure to give the award to Dick Morgan, who coincidentally founded the company in 1974, and Grapes landlord Johnny Roberts.
The City Pub of the Year award again went to the Royal Blenheim, which had won the last few city awards and will no doubt rise to the challenge as newly re-opened pubs compete for future titles. The Town and Village Pub of the Year award was reclaimed by the Brewery Tap in Abingdon, having lost it last year to the Broad Face.
Awards were also given to the Beers of the Festival, chosen during a “blind” tasting session by an expert panel at last October’s event in the Town Hall. Winner was Renegade brewery (formerly West Berkshire) for Maharajah IPA, with runners-up Oxford Brewery with Trinity, White Horse with Konic and Wriggly Monkey with Ambassador.
We wish all our award winners every success in the year ahead, and look forward to the 2025 awards.
