PotY Trophy
We are delighted to announce that North Hertfordshire branch members have voted, the votes have been tallied, and the Half Moon in Hitchin is our 2014 Pub of the Year!
The standard of good pubs across the branch area is ever on the increase and pubs really need to put in an extra mile to be in the Good Beer Guide (GBG). Eligible pubs are selected for the GBG based entirely on beer scores submitted by CAMRA members – to ensure our section of the GBG represents the best quality cask ale in our area (this is why it is so important to submit your beer scores!) From the GBG selection the top handful form the shortlist for our Pub of the Year contenders. At this level we have a list of pubs where you’re guaranteed a good pint so the final vote takes into account other factors, albeit with a strong weighting to beer range and quality. To come out on top after this process is a reflection of a pub’s attention to detail and a lot of hard work.
So congratulations to Wendy, Howard, and their excellent team at the Half Moon. They’re no strangers to Pub of the Year wins having held the position for an amazing three consecutive years from 2009 through 2011. The title was won by the Red Lion in Preston in 2012, before being snapped up by the Orange Tree in Baldock in 2013. Both were worthy contenders in this year’s contest as well – and we’re pleased to announce that the Red Lion in Preston was this year’s PotY Runner Up.
The Half Moon will now go into the running to be the Hertfordshire Pub of the Year against the winning pubs from South Herts, Herts & Essex Borders, and Watford & District CAMRA branches. This round is also based on voting from CAMRA members – more details will be provided about this in the near future.
We will arrange presentations for the Half Moon and Red Lion in due course.
2014 North Hertfordshire Pub of The Year:
Half Moon, Hitchin
The Half Moon
Good Beer Guide description: This split level one bar pub dates from 1748 and was once owned by Hitchin brewer W&S Lucas. It sells two regular and six guest beers often from local breweries. It features two ciders a perry plus four guest ones. Home prepared food and tapas is served daily. Monthly quiz and speciality food nights are popular in this friendly community pub. Cribbage is played during the summer. They were North Herts Pub of the Year three years running: 2009, 2010, 2011!
Web: http://www.thehalfmoonhitchin.co.uk/
Twitter: @halfmoonhitchin
This is a good opportunity to plug the Half Moon’s next, and largest ever, beer festival as well! It is their 10th Anniversary Beer Festival with the theme Champions & Howard’s Heroes. There will be over 60 cask ales, ciders, and perries. The festival kicks off on Thursday 24th of April and runs until Sunday. Check out their website for more information.
Pub sign
2011 PotY Presentation
2014 North Hertfordshire Pub of The Year Runner Up:
Red Lion, Preston
The Red Lion, Preston
Good Beer Guide description: This attractive freehouse stands on the village green and is the first community owned pub in Great Britain. There is an ever changing list of beers and many are from small breweries. Ray and Jo prepare the fresh home made food and many of the ingredients are sourced locally. The pub hosts the village cricket teams and fund raises for charity. They achieved the North Herts Pub of the Year in 2012 and won The Good Pub Guide Value Pub of the Year 2014.
Web: http://www.theredlionpreston.co.uk/
Twitter: @RedLionPreston
Pub sign
Red Lion beer garden
