Town centre bar The Alehouse is Reading CAMRA’s pub of the year

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By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

REGULARS of a Reading town centre pub toasted the landlord and his team last week, after they were awarded a top honour.

The Alehouse in Broad Street has been named Pub of the Year by Reading and Mid-Berkshire CAMRA.

It has previously won cider pub of the year in 2012, 2013 and 2022, and was runner-up of the pub of the year award in 2019.

Winners are voted for by members of the real ale society, and is the most prestigious award the group can offer.

The recipient is then put forward to the regional contest, with the best in class then going on to compete for the national pub of the year title.

A shortlist of 10 pubs was whittled down to five finalists, with members asked to consider several criteria before making their decisions.

This includes quality and condition of the beers, promotion, and knowledge of them, the service and welcome, community focus, and an overall impression.

CAMRA’s pub of the year award Picture: Phil Creighton

The other finalists were The Bell in Waltham St Lawrence, The Bull Inn in Sonning, The Fox and Hounds in Caversham, The Nags Head in Reading, and The Retreat, also in Reading.

Carl Mellors, the landlord of The Alehouse, was presented with his award at a short ceremony held on Wednesday, April 5.

He said: “It’s brilliant.

“Winning is something I’ve