A local pub has finally been awarded the Pub of the Season Award from winter 2023.

On Thursday 27 July, The Lord Nelson was recognised by the Rutland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The excellence of the range of beers served at the pub prompted the beer enthusiasts to celebrate the venue for the winter season 2023, which ran from January until March.

The Lord Nelson is located in Oakham Market Place, Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.

It has taken a while for the pub to receive this award however, following staff illness and changeover and, of course, the CAMRA Beer Festival, which took place in June. In fact, the award is such a long time coming, that it is now under new management - something that the team from Rutland CAMRA are looking forward to following as the new team take on the 16th century venue.

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. 

The Lord Nelson have been awarded a winter season award after a long wait. Image credit: Nub News.

CAMRA is 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. 

On Thursday, they raised a glass to Oakham's The Lord Nelson, who have bagged the prestigious winter 2023 Pub of the Season Award for their range of beers, which include favourites from the local brewery, The Grainstore, and the likes of Neck Oil and Guinness.

The Lord Nelson stocks a large range of beers, ales, lagers and more. Image credit: Nub News.

Chair of Rutland CAMRA, Rich Harris, said: "This award has been a long time coming after delays due to unforeseen circumstances. However, it is a very well deserved award relating back to the service and good selection of beers provided from January to March this year. Well done to the team - and special well done to Amrit Bola, who has only been managing the venue for three days and has already been handed an award!"

This prompted laughs from the group.

Amrit Bola, who has come from Leicester to handle the smooth running of the venue, said: "As a community pub, it means a lot to everyone who works within the business. Being recognised with such a great award for providing the best ale in the area is a special privilege. We appreciate the CAMRA members for recognising the quality of local ales on offer at The Lord Nelson."

Will you be popping into The Lord Nelson in Oakham now that it is under new management? Image credit: Nub News.

Mr Bola has high hopes for the pub and is looking forward to welcoming customers back to the local pub, promising a new and improved service, a hub for the local community and much more as he settles into his new role.

Congratulations to the team at The Lord Nelson and Rutland CAMRA following the successful event.