A CLUB in Stroud has been named the best by a group of dedicated real-ale drinkers.
The Chalford Sports and Social Club has been voted the best club in the district by Stroud CAMRA - for a second year running.
The Stroud CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale award - was presented on Saturday, November 13 with members and staff celebrating with games of skittles at the Chalford club.
Since 1988, the group has helped to showcase the best quality pubs, clubs and breweries throughout the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting.
Stroud CAMRA Pubs Officer, Tim Mars said: “We had a good turnout of Stroud CAMRA and club members.
“It was a bucolic, unseasonably warm and sunny November afternoon which only added to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the club, which sits right at the top of Chalford Hill with a glorious southerly aspect across the tennis courts.”
The Chalford club is currently run by manager Ali Brady and her husband Rob.
Rob also runs the Good Beer Company, a leading local wholesaler which exclusively distributes Stroud Brewery beers and other cask ales across the country.
The club is the sporting and social hub of the village, offering a wide range of social and sporting opportunities, from crafts to skittles, fitness classes to sport on TV.
Tim added: “Rob really pulled out all the stops this time and came up with an exceptional selection of beers for our delectation.
“The club boasts a skittle alley which we were able to use which was a first at any of our presentations.
“Sadly, Western alley skittles are an endangered species in pubs these days.
“Many Stroud CAMRA members are enthusiastic players.
“So to find a club with a well-maintained and supported skittle alley was a boon.
“A good choice of real ale was given for the presentation, as was a good turnout of CAMRA and club members to toast Ali, Rob and the team.”
Real ales on tap included Brew York’s Tonkoko, Steam Town Reefer, an amber session IPA from Eastleigh, Ainsty Cool Citra and a West Coast US-style Pale Ale from York.
The club hosts several sporting teams including football, tennis, cricket and skittles using the venue’s facilities and its five floodlit courts.
All photos by Bill Hicks.
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