Village cricket club runs off with top real ale award

A village cricket club has batted away competition from thousands of other establishments to net a prestigious real ale award.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Mar 2014, 04:17 BST

Barnton Cricket Club in Cheshire was named National Club of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), winning praise for selling a “fantastic” range of real ales.

Barnton beat more than 28,000 other clubs, ranging from working men’s clubs to snooker halls, to claim the prized award.

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The cricket club is described in Camra’s Good Beer Guide as being “as popular as ever” and offering three regular and up to four guest beers sourced from local microbreweries as well as a popular annual beer festival.

Club steward Mike Elliot said: “It was fantastic just to be nominated as a finalist – the members will be so happy.”

Camra’s national director, Keith Spencer, said: “Barnton Cricket Club remains as popular as ever and it is clear to see why, with a fantastic range of real ales kept in excellent condition.

“The club is open to Camra members and club members alike, who all enjoy popping in for a quick pint, whether they’ve earned it on the cricket field or not. It is a great example to clubs across the UK who are thinking of offering more real ale.”

Other finalists were the Cheltenham Motor Club, Orpington Liberal Club and Kinver Constitutional Club in the West Midlands.