West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) say they are extremely proud and excited to announce that their current Pub Of The Year and Cider Pub Of The Year, the Woodman, Bridport, has progressed into and won the CAMRA ‘Regional Cider Pub of the Year’ award which elevates it into the national final for overall Cider Pub of the Year. Furthermore it has just been announced to the joy of landlord Darren Moore that the Woodman is also now in the last 17 pubs in the country as a serious contender for CAMRA’s prestigious National Pub of the Year, the ultimate accolade any pub/licensee can win.
The Woodman is a classic example of a thriving community led pub that has a large selection of cider and perry that complements the expanding cask ale selection.
A warm welcome awaits and landlord Darren Moore alongside pub staff have good knowledge of the beer and cider products they sale and will happily give advice and tasters to assist customers.
Not only does the pub regularly stock locally produced Dorset varieties such as Dorset Nectar and Isaac Cider but also gives the drinker a chance to sample ciders from further afield such as Bridge Farm, Somerset, Oliver’s in Herefordshire and Ascension from Sussex. There are 5 hand pumps that dispense real ales from micro breweries throughout the U.K and the throughput is very quick with often new beers being put on midsession. It is extremely rare for a pub to win two consecutive awards of this nature and, as a branch of CAMRA, we fully support Darren and his partner Alison.
The CAMRA Wessex Region takes in 11 individual branches of CAMRA spanning Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Wiltshire and the Channel Islands.
On hearing of winning this award for the second consecutive year running, pub landlord Darren Moore said: “I am absolutely flabbergasted! We are so happy to get through to the next stage of the CAMRA Regional Cider Pub of the Year, which is amazing, only then to find out a month later we are also in the top 17 pubs in the country by winning Regional Pub of the Year is truly amazing. I didn’t believe it at first! I am rarely stuck for words but I was speechless.” Darren went on to say: “A massive thank you to all of the staff, suppliers, brewers and cider makers that make it happen and of course West Dorset CAMRA for their continued support.”
On presenting the awards alongside CAMRA Regional Representative Norman Clinnick, West Dorset CAMRA Chairman Bruce Mead said: “To win both Wessex & Channel Islands Regional Cider and Overall pub of the year is a fantastic achievement for Darren and his team. This is the only time in the history of the competition this has happened! We wish them every luck in the next round.”
West Dorset CAMRA Chairman presents Darren Moore & Alison Legg of the Woodman their awards alongside CAMRA Regional Rep Norman Clinnick. Photo by Rich Gabe