The Rutland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have released the shortlist for their Summer Pub of the Season award. 

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. 

Rutland's CAMRA branch has over 215 members of all ages, who attend regular beer-focused events, although drinking is not essential, and the monthly meeting, which takes place at pubs across the county on the second Thursday of every month.

Every season - spring, summer, autumn and winter - the team enjoy the pleasure of testing out the local pubs, clubs and watering holes and voting for their favourite venue.

The Pub of the Season shortlist has been created using the 'scores' given for the quality of beer served, with local CAMRA members and CAMRA visitors to the county voting for their top picks, favourite beers and best pours.  

CAMRA Chair, Rich Harris, said: "This season prompted a close contest, as the quality of most cask conditioned ales sold in the county has generally improved, despite the tough operating conditions facing our Rutland pubs.

"Rutland CAMRA branch members will now take part in an 'E Vote' (yes, we've come into the twenty-first century!) and the result will be announced at our November branch meeting at the 'Green Dragon' in Ryhall."

This shortlist is significant as it gives the licensees involved a big boost to know they are in the top three in the county - which, as its motto promises, offers 'much in little'.

The winner of the Summer Pub of the Season award will also feature in the next CAMRA 'Good Beer Guide', which will be the 2025, guide, following the enthusiastic release of the 2024 guide only a few weeks ago. Being a small county, Rutland has only seven entries, so competition for inclusion is fierce. Unlike other guides, local pubs, clubs and hotels cannot buy their inclusion, as the results completely depend upon the views and 'beer scores' of CAMRA members. 

Having been selected as such, the Rutland pubs included in the 2024 Good Beer Guide are The Crown in Uppingham, Empingham Cricket and Social Club, The Grainstore Brewery Tap, The Green Dragon in Ryhall, The Plough in Greetham, The Plough Inn in Caldecott and finally, the Railway in Ketton. 

Pubs recognised in this summer's Pub of the season shortlist - and hoping to win and feature in this comprehensive beer guide - include The Grainstore Brewery Tap in Oakham, The Capt. Noel Newton in Oakham, and the Exeter Arms in Uppingham. 

More details on the local CAMRA branch, the nationwide Good Beer Guide and the upcoming awards can be found on the Rutland CAMRA website, where you can also find out more about joining the group of beer enthusiasts.