A local brewery has won the top award at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)'s Great British Beer Festival.

The Ketton-based brewery, Baker's Dozen, took the top award this week at the Great British Beer Festival with their flagship brew.

They were awarded the trophy in the Premium Pale, Blond & Gold Ales category for the quality of their most popular ale, Electric Landlady.

The beer was also he winner of the East Midlands regional contest, which allowed it to be entered into the national competition.

This is a fantastic achievement for Dean and Jill Baker, who run and own the Ketton-based brewery and are incredibly passionate, hands on brewers.

They said: "When they called out the bronze & sliver winners and we didn't hear our names I think we both assumed we'd just be walking away as a finalist. But then they named us as the winner which was just a bit surreal!".

Dean pouring a pint at the awards event. Image credit: Baker's Dozen.

Earlier this year the couple picked up a sliver at the SIBA National Independent Beer Awards for their Undertow Keg Pale Ale. "It's amazing to have national recognition for our beers from both SIBA and CAMRA in the same year". 

The brewery was started in 2015 alongside running the Jolly Brewer in Stamford, and has been building a reputation for quality beers in both cask and keg. 2021 saw the couple sell their pub business in order to concentrate on the brewery and push it forward. 

As well as draught, the couple have expanded in to bottled and canned beers which they sell direct to the public as well as through independent outlets around the country. 

Dean & Jill Baker with their CBOB award. Image credit: CAMRA.

Chair of Rutland CAMRAs, Rich Harris, sent a message of congratulations to the duo: "I am delighted on behalf of Rutland CAMRA to be able to congratulate you on your success yesterday at the GBBF. It's a fantastic achievement for Electric Landlady to be named the winner in the Champion Beer of Britain Premium Pale, Blond & Gold Category.

"A fitting tribute to not only your skill and expertise, but also all of the hard work both of you have put into brewing and building Baker's Dozen over the last few years.

"The pale ale category is particularly competitive with some great beers out there and some big players, to win it is a remarkable feat for the smallest brewery (watch out Grainstore) from the smallest county.

"Many congratulations on behalf of us all at Rutland CAMRA and we look forward to celebrating your success with a trip to one of your forthcoming tap events. (You may have to start selling tickets!)"

Electric Landlady is on tap at a range of local pubs, including Ketton's The Railway. Image credit: Nub News.

Throughout the summer, Baker's Dozen are running Pop Up Tap Room days with a selection of their beers on tap, plus you can purchase cans and bottles, have a look around the brewery and enjoy a beer outside. 

The next events will be taking place this month on 5 and 6 and 19 and 20 August - what better time to enjoy an award winning pint!?

Find out more about Baker's Dozen online or head to the Ketton-based brewery at:

Unit 5, Ketton Business Park

Pit Lane

Ketton

PE9 3SZ

The team can be contacted on 01780 238180.

Alternatively, let us know about your recent success stories by emailing [email protected].