Community-owned Stockport pub named best in the North West by CAMRA

A beloved pub in Stockport has earned the title of the best pub in the North West, according to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The Northumberland Arms, located in Marple, was revealed as the regional winner in CAMRA’s prestigious Pub of the Year competition on 21st August.

Northumberland Arms

CAMRA’s annual awards highlight the nation’s finest pubs, with criteria that include atmosphere, customer service, inclusivity, and the range of real ales, ciders, and perries on offer.

Thousands of pubs across the country were evaluated, and just 17 were crowned as regional winners this year, with Northern Ireland making its debut as a separate category.

The Northumberland Arms, affectionately known by locals as “The Thumb,” has become a community hub since being saved from closure in 2017. The pub is run by the community, with local residents able to buy shares in the venue to keep it thriving.

The pub has continued to flourish, regularly hosting events, including an annual fundraiser for the mental health charity MIND. It has also become a popular stop for local running, cycling, and walking groups, who refer to themselves as the “Thumb Rubs,” “Thumb Wheels,” and “Thumb Legs.”

This latest accolade follows another win for The Northumberland Arms, which was named Greater Manchester’s Pub of the Year by CAMRA just three months ago.

“A huge community asset”

The pub’s dedication to offering a diverse range of beers and its active engagement with the local community has earned it widespread admiration.

Phil, who manages The Thumb and has previously worked at Marple Conservative Club and The Railway pub in Romiley, expressed pride in the pub’s achievements.

“It’s hard work, but being a free house gives us the flexibility to source our drinks from wherever we choose. The community has really embraced us, and we’re seeing visitors from both near and far.”

High Peak CAMRA’s Pub of the Season for Winter 2024

In addition to its recent accolades, The Northumberland Arms was named High Peak CAMRA’s Pub of the Season for Winter 2024 and regularly participates in the branch’s popular “Mild Magic” ale trail, which marked its 30th anniversary this year.

Among the other regional winners is the Turks Head in St Helens, which represents Merseyside and Cheshire. This historic Tudor-style pub, dating back to the 1870s, impressed judges with its impressive selection of 14 cask beers and 15 ciders, as well as its inviting beer garden, complete with an outdoor bar and wood-fired pizza oven.

Other notable regional winners include Three B’s in Bridlington for Yorkshire, the Black Horse in Preston for the West Pennines, the Cresselley Arms in Wales, and the Dog and Duck in Lisbellaw, which made history as Northern Ireland’s first-ever Pub of the Year.

The 17 regional winners will now compete for the National Pub of the Year title, with the overall winner set to be announced in January 2025. The current holder of the national title is The Tamworth Tap in Tamworth, which has won the top prize for two consecutive years.

Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, praised the winners, saying, “These pubs are truly the best of the best. I encourage everyone to visit these exceptional venues and support their local pubs, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by the industry, from high energy prices to fluctuating costs and unfair business rates.”

With pubs across the UK continuing to face pressure, CAMRA’s recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local establishments year-round.

You can find out more on CAMRA’s website by clicking here