The Grainstore Brewery Tap in Oakham have been recognised by the Rutland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) team.

Located on Oakham's Station Approach, the popular local brewery and taprooms have been awarded the CAMRA Pub of the Year 2023 award.

The Oakham-based brewery and taproom was founded in 1994 and opened its doors in September 1995. Today it is recognised as one of the best brew pubs in Britain.

Voting criteria for this award included:

1. Quality and Condition of Real Ale / Cider / Perry
2. Promotion and Knowledge of Real Ale
3. Cleanliness and Staff Hygiene
4. Community Focus and Atmosphere
5. Service, Welcome and Offering
6. Style, Decor and Furnishing
7. Sympathy with CAMRA's aims
8. Overall Impressions and Value

The grainstore team shared that they are: "Delighted to be able to announce that we have been voted the Rutland CAMRA pub of the year for 2023.

"Our thanks go to our local CAMRA branch and their members for their votes.

"Our congratulations to the runner up, The Plough at Caldecott and the other Seasonal winners.

"We would like to thank all the members of our team whom have contributed to the overall win - well done guys and terrific achievement."

The venue aren't unfamiliar with such highly acclaimed local and national awards, having been recognised by CAMRA and the Good Pub Guide in the past, winning the Good Pub Guide's Own Brew Pub of the Year in 2019, 2016, 2014, 2011 and 2003.

In November 2022, the venue won 3 awards in the 2023 Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) East Midland Champion Beer of Britain Regional Competition:

Rutland Beast has picked up a Silver in the 'Brown Ales and Red Ales, Old Ales and Strong Milds' category.

Rutland Panther was awarded a Gold in the 'Milds' category.

Nip has been awarded a Gold in the Barley Wines and Strong Ales category.

The popular venue brews and serves its own beers. Image credit: The Grainstore.

Other local venues have also been recognised by Rutland CAMRA, The Plough in Caldecott being recognised as a runner up in this award category.

The Plough in Greetham also saw success with CAMRA, having been awarded the Pub of the Season 2022 award in December. Read more here.

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