The team behind the Rutland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have launched the 2023 'Ale Trail' in the run up to this year's Rutland CAMRA Beer Festival. 

Held annually at the Rutland County Museum, the Beer Festival Celebrates local and national ales, beers, ciders and more – and is set to take place at the end of June. 

As part of the 10th Rutland CAMRA Beer Festival, the team are re-introducing the Oakham Ale Trail, which is kindly being sponsored by Upp, Rutland's newest broadband provider. 

Upp are working on installing broadband across the area. Image credit: Upp.

From Monday 19 June to Sunday 25, Rutland residents, tourists and visitors to the festival are being encouraged to visit and support Oakham's great town pubs, including: 

• The Grainstore 
• The Wheatsheaf 
• The Captain Noel Newton 
• The Admiral Hornblower 
• The Lord Nelson 
• The Crown Tavern – the owner of which, Lindsay, married her long-term partner, Ian, last weekend! 
• The Angler 
• Jinky's 

Oakham's eclectic mix of pubs, breweries and rest stops offer a huge variety of beers and customers, so get to all of them for a 'taste' of what the local area has to offer. 

Local bands and artists will also be involved in the beer festival itself, providing a range of live music to keep drinkers entertained.

The Rutland Morris Men dancing at the CAMRA event last year. 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 Sports Club, The Railway in Ketton, Oakham's The Grainstore Brewery, The Vaults, The Crown Inn, and the Exeter Arms all in Uppingham. 

The Grainstore, Oakham. Image credit: The Grainstore.

This week they are set to recognise Empingham Cricket and Social Club with their inaugural Rutland CAMRA Club of the Year award. 

Check back to hear all about the award ceremony, set to take place on Friday 2 June, or head to our What's On page to find out more about the Ale Trail and the upcoming Beer Festival, taking place from 22 – 25 June!