Tonight, Friday 2 June, Empingham Cricket Club have been recognised by the Rutland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The excellence of the village sports venue and social club prompted the beer enthusiasts to create an award recognising the best in local and community social spaces.  

The club is both a sports venue and social space. Image credit: Nub News.

CAMRA is an independent organisation run by volunteers who promote and champion real ale, cider, and traditional British pubs and clubs. 

It is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe. Founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today they represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK. 

They are prolific in Rutland, naming a range of local pubs, clubs and breweries in their Good Beer Guide 2023. Venues on this list are The Crown Inn at Great Casterton, Empingham Cricket and Social Club, The Railway in Ketton, Oakham's The Grainstore Brewery, The Vaults, The Crown Inn, and the Exeter Arms all in Uppingham. 

Empingham Cricket and Social Club bar. Image credit: Nub News.

Tonight, they once again raised a glass to Empingham Cricket and Social Club, who have bagged the prestigious 2022 Club of the Year Award.

Empingham Cricket and Social Club are the first club to win this award, which is new to Rutland. 

Chair of Rutland CAMRA, Rich Harris, explained: "It's the first time we've made a Club of the Year award and it's in recognition of the club's continuing excellence in the range and quality of the ales it serves."

Players enjoyed a game before the award ceremony. Image credit: Nub News.

 Russ of Empingham Cricket and Social Club and Rutland CAMRA, added: "The club doesn't run itself and we have a wonderful team throughout. Thank you to all of the team, the committee, the bar staff, and thank you to everyone who comes and drinks here - as someone has to come and drink the quality ales." He laughed, "There are still quite a few lager drinkers in the village, but I am working on them!"

Following their win, the club will be entered into the regional finals of the Club of the Year Award 2022, and may even make it to the national finals - but that is for CAMRA judges across the UK to decide - so watch this space.

Rich concluded: "To be entered into the national finals would be a marvellous achievement, and we are hopeful that when the scores come back - because the regional judging has been going on - that Empingham comes out on the top of that list.

"We are delighted to be able to present this award to Russ and the club tonight."

Congratulations to Russ, CAMRA and the team at Empingham Cricket and Social Club.