The team behind the nationwide Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) scheme have released their 2024 Good Beer Guide, and a host of Rutland pubs have been included on this prestigious list.

The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene. As well as covering the very best pubs across the nation, it keeps track of brewery numbers, and notes a net loss of nine breweries across the counties. 

In what is its 51st edition, with a striking cover and a foreword supplied by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, the Guide surveys 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, and is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation’s pubs. 

Dickinson’s foreword shines a spotlight on the cultural tradition of pubs within the United Kingdom, the importance of protecting the heritage, charm and welcoming nature of pubs and clubs, and not taking them for granted. 

CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona says: "The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers. 

"The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs and breweries open and thriving. I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s Guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.” 

The Plough in Greetham has been featured on the list. Image credit: Nub News.

The Good Beer Guide, which reviews over 4,500 pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinkers' guide to the very best pints in a variety of styles of pubs to suit individual tastes. Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally. 

This year, Rutland has had three local pubs added to the list, taking the total of Rutland pubs featuring in the guide up to seven, which is incredibly impressive from the smallest county in the country!

The local venues that have won a spot on the list are:

• The Railway, Ketton
• The Plough Inn, Caldecott
• Empingham Cricket and Social Club, Empingham
• The Green Dragon, Rhyall
• The Plough, Greetham
• The Crown Inn, Uppingham

Oakham's The Grainstore also reappears on the list, both as a brewery and pub, serving a wide range of real ales

Last but certainly not least, Baker's Dozen brewery in Ketton has also featured on the list.

The Baker's Dozen team featured at Rutland CAMRA's beer festival this summer. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

Rutland CAMRA branch is a socially active branch with a wide range of members, and would welcome more members, particularly those new to the county, and those that enjoy the 'trip to the pub' both male and female. We work hard to help preserve the tradition of real ale & cider.

Discover all of the pubs listed, and more, with CAMRA's new Good Beer Guide app, available on iOs and as a web-based app.

Alternately, pick up a copy of the book here.