Community-owned pub wins top real ale award

A community pub in Kent which reopened just two years ago has been crowned local pub of the year and is now through to the regional stage of the competition.

The George, in Bethersden, closed for two-and-a-half years after the pandemic but relaunched in May 2023 after villagers raised the £300,000 they needed to buy it.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said it soon spotted The George was "taking real ale seriously" and has made it their pub of the year for the Ashford, Folkestone and Romney Marsh area.

Robin Draper, chair of The George Community Ltd, said: "Being awarded pub of the year is not just an accolade for the pub, it's for all our customers, friends and supporters."

The pub said it prided itself on its choice of real ales and ciders, supporting local breweries and its regular rotation of guest ales.

The George also holds two beer festivals a year and hosts live music and community events including quizzes, bingo nights, board game nights and knitting social classes.

Sarah Collyer, chairperson of Camra in the Ashford, Folkestone and Romney Marsh area, said: "When The George reopened in May 2023, we realised it was taking real ale seriously.

"Achieving this award for a pub covered by our branch area is recognition of that commitment to delivering the perfect pint.

"We are delighted that The George is in our patch and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength."

The George is now up against four other winning pubs from other local Camra branches for the overall award for the East Kent area.

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