A Durham pub with a great sense of community has been named among the best in the country.
"Come for the beer. Stay for the community" is the motto of The Station House in Durham which was awarded runner up in this year's Pub of the Year competition organised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). The friendly pub narrowly missed out on the top spot, which was claimed by the Tamworth Tap.
But The Station House is no stranger to an award and has won CAMRA Regional Cider Pub of the Year in 2017 and 2018. The pub, which opened in December 2015, is located in a former shop unit in the shadow of a railway viaduct.
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It has embraced a back-to-basics approach with an emphasis on conversation. And its changing range of beer and cider is served directly through a hatch from the cold-room.
Co-owners Susannah and Chris Mansfield told the Mirror: "Our central aims have remained: great beer and cider, great community, and a welcoming space for all. In essence, we want people to come because the beer is excellent and stay because they’ve got chatting to someone."
Pub of the Year contenders were all judged on "atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer". Judges said their visit to winners The Tamworth Tap was "an absolutely delightful experience" with knowledgeable staff, a friendly atmosphere, attractive décor, and great selection of cask ales and real ciders on offer.
Joining The Station House as runners up was the Horse & Jockey in Stapleford and the King's Head in Norwich.
Sharing news on Facebook, The Station House said: "We're thrilled to be Runner Up! Huge congratulations to the Tamworth Tap - can't wait to visit!"
The pub shared a post from CAMRA Durham which congratulated the pub on the achievement. CAMRA Durham said: "Sadly it wasn't to be for The Station House this year, pipped to the post by the Tamworth Tap for CAMRA 2022 Pub of the Year; but to be named one of the top 4 pubs in the country is still a huge achievement for the team and a testament to their commitment to real ale and the local community."
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