You're going to want to get yourself down to Marple Bridge to check out this beloved Marple pub which has just been named as Greater Manchester’s best for 2024 and will represent the region at this year’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year competition.
Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.
Now, a total of 17 fantastic pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area and one of them is none other than the historic Northumberland Arms in Marple.
Saved from permanent closure in 2017, following a successful campaign by the local community to bring the Northumberland Arms into community ownership, the pub has continued to flourish.
Now run by a group of enthusiastic local people who have worked hard to restore this cosy, welcoming pub to its former glory, a varied range of well-kept beers is always available.
Becoming the beating heart of its community, the pub, locally referred to as 'The Thumb', is a hub for events and activities, including running, cycling and walking clubs - affectionally known as Thumb Runs, Thumb Wheels and Thumb Legs. The pub organises an annual event to raise money for MIND.
The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September. CAMRA’s esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub. The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: "These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.
"It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade."
Find out more here.
Image credit: Northumberland Arms