The Horseshoe near Bristol named as pub of the year by CAMRA

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The runner-up is a pub close to Bristol harbourside

The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury has been named Bristol & District pub of the year 2024 by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale).

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Each year the Bristol & District branch of CAMRA invites local members to nominate pubs for consideration in the branch Pub Of The Year competition.

The finalists from this nomination stage are then judged against various nationally designated criteria to decide the result.

For 2024 this is that The Horseshoe, Chipping Sodbury is Bristol & District branch Pub Of The Year and the Merchants Arms (Hotwells) is the runner-up.

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CAMRA Bristol & District Branch Chair Richard Brooks said: "Pub Of The Year is not just about the beer and judges are expected to consider the full customer experience and whether a pub offers that something extra. This year judges commented that they particularly liked the atmosphere, friendly staff, community focus and overall impression of The Horseshoe, Chipping Sodbury.

“The Merchants Arms in Hotwells is clearly on a roll as it has achieved Runner-up branch Pub Of The Year for the second year in a row. The judges found it to be a welcoming community local with a cosy interior and excellent real ale."

Presentations of the awards will take place at The Horseshoe on Tuesday May 14 at 8pm and the Merchants Arms on Thursday May 16 at 8pm.

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Jo Lewis, landlady of The Horsehoe, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to accept such a prestigious award on behalf of the Horseshoe from CAMRA, to be acknowledged and noticed of how passionate we are as a team has truly blown me away. We will never be complacent, and will continue to strive to make The Horseshoe a fantastic pub.”

The Horseshoe in Chipping SodburyThe Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury
The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury | The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury

Jo runs the pub with husband Matt. He said: “Receiving this award shows that hard work and dedication to the trade pays off. Pubs are struggling more than ever, so to have this award from such a fantastic institution like CAMRA, in this day and age, is extremely appreciated. We all need to get out there and support our locals before we lose them!”

Mike Wilkins, owner of the Merchants Arms in Hotwells, said: “It is with no less humility that I am delighted to accept this award this year. It has been a tough year, in the trade, which has been well documented. I am so lucky to have a fantastic team supporting me and a brilliant bunch of customers who enjoy what we do. Not least, Thank you CAMRA for this award. Hope to see you all on Thursday night for the presentation.”

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