by Rich Gabe
West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale, (CAMRA) are extremely proud to announce that the Woodman pub in South Street, Bridport, has been judged the 2025 branch “Pub of the Year”. The Woodman beat off stiff competition from other nominated pubs and was judged at different times by a panel of independent West Dorset CAMRA volunteer judges on a points system. Darren Moore and his team were thrilled to learn of the pub’s latest accolade having only last year made the national finals of the last 16 pubs for CAMRA “National Pub of the Year” and getting down to the last 4 pubs for “National Cider & Perry Pub of the Year” which was a remarkable achievement as there is no other pub currently on record that has achieved such success for both awards.
West Dorset CAMRA Pub of the year 2025. Photo credit: Kylie Stroud
The award was presented on stage at the recent Dorchester Beerex where Darren Moore licensee gracefully dedicated the award to the late Victor Irvine of the Cerne Abbas brewery.
Darren said “I’m over the moon! This one came as a real shock and everyone at the pub is extremely happy, hopefully we can get to the top spot this year. I would like to dedicate this award to my very good friend Victor who very sadly recently passed away. He has been a great help over the last few years.” Darren went on to thank West Dorset CAMRA for their support as always.
On presenting the award West Dorset CAMRA Chairman Bruce Mead said “The Woodman continues to go from strength to strength in the hands of Darren and his team. They came so close to making the final four in CAMRA’s national Pub of the Year competition last time round. Can they do it this time, we certainly hope so!”
The Woodman is an extremely welcoming and friendly pub that serves 5 cask ales complemented by a large selection of real traditional ciders sourced from near and far. It is not unusual to see a firkin stood on the end of the bar serving a powerful barley wine strong ale. The staff are very helpful and will guide you through the vast selection of drinks on offer. One glance at one of the pub’s interior walls sees an ever expanding display of awards. This is all down to Darren, his partner Alison and his loyal team of bar staff. Darren always comes across as one of the most humble publicans I have ever met; no expectations, always up for a conversation and a real gentleman.
The pub has a skittle alley attached to the rear of the bar area, leading to a small garden at the rear, there is also outside seating at the front of the pub. The main bar area is flagstone flooring with wooden tables, chairs and benched seating in the alcove bay windows. A real fire takes centre stage which complements the warm vibe on a winter’s night. It would not be unfair to describe the Woodman as a traditional high-street boozer, one, sadly, of a dying breed and well worth a visit when in Bridport. West Dorset CAMRA wishes Darren and his team every success going forward into the next regional final.