Pub of year cheer for The Spirit Vaults

IN JUST over two years since opening The Spirit Vaults in Melbourne has been awarded the highly sought-after accolade of Derby CAMRA country pub of the year

Joint owner Matt Morgan said: “We are very proud! We were runners-up last year, and this is one step further. It is really nice to get the recognition given the hard work all the team have put in. I am really happy!”

Asked what he thought had made the pub successful Matt said that it was about several elements – such as the consistent quality of the beer.

“This year we have seven real ales on offer, whereas last year it was four; the cleanliness, the food and the atmosphere all play a part

“It is about everything coming together, really,” he said, thanking everyone for their role contributing to the success

“Our customers, a mix of locals and occasional visitors all contribute to the great atmosphere in the pub,” he added, and that is one of the factors considered by the anonymous judges when they visit.

CAMRA has an intensive judging process with branch members visiting each pub and scoring them not just on the quality of the real ale but taking other things into account like the service and welcome, the atmosphere, style, décor, furnishings, cleanliness and community focus of the pub as well as a sympathy with CAMRA’s aims

To celebrate the achievement, head brewer Simon Morgan will be creating a new beer to mark the occasion and to thank CAMRA members for their support. Also, the pub is now ‘under new management’ with the appointment of Kate Freeman as manager. Without revealing too much Kate said she had already had some good ideas for themed events so “watch this space”.

With around 20 employees engaged in the business, the Spirit Vaults has certainly made a massive contribution to village life, and was mentioned, along with other establishments, in the recent article in the Sunday Times, showcasing the village as one of the best places to live in the Midlands.

ANYONE living in the Sweet Leys area of Melbourne fancy giving it a bit of a spring clean?

People from the Sweet Leys Estate have formed a residents’ group and are planning their first activity.

On Saturday, April 22, they are inviting all residents to join in their spring clean, which will consist of a litter pick and some gardening work on the open spaces on the estate

As a spokesman for the group, district councillor Martin Fitzpatrick said: “After contact from several residents I have helped bring together a residents’ group who have several aims: firstly, creating a collective voice when dealing with organisations such as the council, and secondly in growing the sense of community in the area in which they live.

“A spring clean is being organised and, as well as litter picking, cleaning and some gardening work, the group are encouraging residents to meet at the park area for 10am and bring a flask of tea or coffee and just get to know more of your neighbours over a cuppa ”

Councillor Fitzpatrick added that he had been impressed with the residents group’s ambitions to put on events such as the spring clean and hoped as many residents as possible would join the activity on April 22