Introduction

Every year, all CAMRA branches nominate and vote for the favourite pubs in their area. The winners then go on to the county, regional and finally national awards.

Even at a local level, the award is highly regarded. Just to get a nomination, the pub has to achieve pretty high standards, with the range and quality of its real ales obviously being particularly important. CAMRA members will visit the nominees over several weeks, and then have the chance to vote. Winners will inevitably receive good publicity in the local media and trade press, resulting in increased trade. But they mustn't be complacent, as we start from scratch every year with no preconceptions

The difficulty is that everyone has his or her own idea of the ideal pub, which is why it is so important to get as many people voting as possible.

EVERY member of Colchester CAMRA can have their say, and the more votes we receive, the greater our confidence that we'll come up with the right result.

Final Voting Round

Many thanks to everyone who nominated their favourite pubs, and to all who took part in the initial round of voting.

All Branch members now have the opportunity to visit the pubs and vote on the final shortlist, which comprises:

The Chequers Inn, The Square, Goldhanger (near Maldon)
The Horse & Groom, Wivenhoe
The Thatchers Arms, Hall Road, Mount Bures
The Bricklayers Arms, Colchester
The Fox & Fiddler, St John’s Street, Colchester
The Odd One Out, Colchester

The rules are pretty simple - you must have visited all of the six pubs within the last six months. We are only interested in YOUR opinion, not rumours or second-hand knowledge. If it's a while since you last visited any of them, we would recommend you go back to refresh your knowledge

This shouldn't be too much of a hardship - after all, our members reckon they are the best in the area! The more hardy among you may wish to visit more than once to get a truly representative opinion - for instance, comparing a quiet afternoon with a busy weekend evening session.

Ultimately, we would like you all to vote on your findings. CAMRA have published GUIDELINES which may assist you, but everyone has different priorities. You may prefer a quiet, old-fashioned pub with no frills, but equally a food or family-orientated pub might be your thing. Regardless, the more people we get to vote, the more representative the results will be. ALL branch members are entitled to one vote, and joint members can have one each. Everyone will have their favourites, but all we ask is that people are honest and sensible in their decisions.

Votes can be made at any time from now up to our January Branch Meeting (See Calendar), when the final results will be announced. But remember, you MUST have visited EACH of the pubs before you cast your vote.

How to Vote

This is how you can vote :-

ON AN OFFICIAL VOTING FORM - These will be available at our November, December and January Branch meetings (see Calendar). You can also download one HERE. Bring your completed form to any branch meeting or alternatively, hand it to any committee member.

ONLINE - Members can vote online - simply click here. Rules are exactly the same, but you must include your name and CAMRA membership number.

The Results

The final outcome will be announced at the January branch meeting which, to avoid any undue last-minute "influence", will be held at a venue not amongst the final short-listed six. Full details will, of course, also be published on the website, via our e-Mail list, local press and "What's Brewing".