A former shop and office premises turned micropub in Westgate has been named as Thanet CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for 2019.
Bake & Alehouse, which opened 8 years ago, was taken over three years ago by John Morphy. Having already been announced as the micropub of the year this additional award means the Bake & Alehouse, will now go forward to compete against the best in Kent and hopefully onwards to take on the best in the country and named as the national Pub of the Year.
The Thanet competition was co-ordinated by Jo Walbank, who said: “The quality of pubs on the Isle of Thanet makes this award very difficult to land with a record 23 nominations from our members a testament to the strength of the beer scene in Thanet.
“The Bake & Alehouse has been in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide six times previously proving how consistently good its beers are and, coupled with John’s commitment to his friends -not customers- and the community, is what sets the pub apart from the competition.£
This year local CAMRA members nominated their favourite pubs and also volunteered as judges. All the pubs were visited by each judge and assessed against the national criteria of atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and most importantly community links and quality of beer.
John said: “Keeping the beer on form is important but the people, I can’t call them customers as they’re really friends, are what it’s all about and getting this award is an honour.”
Thanet CAMRA Chair Martin Knight presented John with both his micro pub category and overall Thanet CAMRA Pub of the Year 2019 certificates today (March 16) Certificates were also given the Old Bay Alehouse, Minnis Bay for Joint Runner Up micro pub of the year, Banks Ale and Wine House, Cliftonville for runner up traditional pub of the year and Hovelling Boat Inn, Ramsgate for joint runner up micropub of the year. The Montefiore Arms, Ramsgate will have their certificate for being named winner of traditional pub of the year presented on Wednesday, April 3.
