CAMRA has announced three joint winners of its inaugural Club Recognition Award. The new award celebrates and recognises a person, group or organisation which has made an outstanding achievement, commitment, or contribution to the promotion of real ale, cider or perry in social clubs over the last 12 months or for ongoing outstanding work. 

The winners are:

Ladybarn Social Club, Manchester

Social secretary and bar manager Phil Cowtan has transformed the club’s real ale range. His first change was to persuade the club to buy out a Carlsberg-Tetley tie and change its focus onto local and smaller craft brewers.

He introduced hazy cask beers which, despite significant doubts from other committee members, proved to be a success. Phil has continued to promote new independent brewers, such as Stockport's Steelfish and has now increased the number of handpumps to four.

As a result of his commitment and enthusiasm, the Ladybarn Social Club has become a cask ale oasis in what, over the years, has become both a pub and beer desert. 

Tanfield Lea Working Men’s and Community Club, County Durham

The club’s Kay Drummond was nominated for her dedication over many years to providing and promoting real ale in an area where it is scarce. Recently awarded Club & Institute Union Club of the Month for September, it’s now in the running for the national award.

Drummond said providing cask ale is a “real labour of love... and a driver of trade”. She hosts an annual beer festival and constantly promotes real ale, which is sourced nationally from both local breweries and smaller ones.

There's always at least one little-known brew available, and this has proved vital in introducing customers to real ale in an environment not known for the product.

The club is also very community-based, hosting numerous charity events throughout the year and celebrated its centenary this year. 

Wortley Club, South Yorkshire

The club’s Nigel and Teressa Pickering were recognised for their unparalleled passion for community engagement.

The couple have consistently shown a deep commitment to Wortley Club’s mission of fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its members. Their involvement in organising and participating in various community events, fundraisers, and social gatherings has been instrumental in creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all members.

According to the judges, their genuine interest in getting to know fellow members and their willingness to extend a helping hand to newcomers have made the club a warm and inviting place for everyone.

The club now champions various initiatives including the Wortley Real Ale and Cider Festival, raising funds for local charities and spearheading community service projects. Their commitment to giving back to the community serves as an inspiration to all members and reinforces the club’s values of compassion and altruism.

Pictured: CAMRA awards director Laura Emson, far right, with winners (from far left) Kay Drummond of Tanfield Lea Working Men's and Community Club; Phil Cowtan of Ladybarn Social Club; and Teressa and Becky Pickering of Wortley Club.