The Campaign’s search for the UK’s best member clubs has been whittled down to the final four.

The regional finalists for the coveted National Club of the Year title are: Cheltenham Motor Club, South West; Marden Village Club, Kent; Dobcross Band Social Club, Greater Manchester; Barnton Cricket Club, Merseyside-Cheshire.

Barnton Cricket Club is described as “a beacon for real ale in a relative desert.” Sports feature heavily here with on-site squash courts as well as the main cricket pitch and crown green bowling. A popular beer festival is held at the club in the summer.

Cheltenham Motor Club (pictured in 2019) is a three-time winner taking the title in 2013, 2017 and 2019. Located just outside the town centre, this friendly and welcoming club is open to all. The bar is decorated with motoring memorabilia and the enthusiastic steward normally keeps six ales on tap, including at least one dark beer, a cider and Belgian beers in bottles.

Dobcross Band Social Club in Greater Manchester looks out across the Saddleworth Moor hills. The wooden building was erected in 1967 and is set out to provide facilities for the members of its various sections, including bands, bowlers, snooker and darts. 

Marden Village Club in Kent was renovated in 2017 to produce a light, airy and friendly atmosphere. This Grade II-listed community hub usually boasts six real ales from local microbreweries plus snooker and darts teams for members.

All the clubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and most importantly – quality of beer. The winner will be announced in January 2023. The competition has been on hold over the last two years due to Covid-19 restrictions and was last won by the Cheltenham Motor Club in 2019.

CoTY co-ordinator Phil Greggs said: “All these clubs should be very proud of reaching this stage in the competition. It is a huge honour to be considered one of the top four clubs across the country. While each of these offers something unique to their visitors, they all share the foundation of what makes a great club – a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and a fantastic range of beers.”

The four finalists will be presented with their super regional award over the coming weeks.