\n\n\n\n
Pub Of The Year Competition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Congratulations to The Old Post Office in Warwick for once again winning the branch Pub Of The Year and continuing its record of being in the top three pubs in the branch every year since opening in 2014. The OPO will now progress to the next stage of the competition, the County Pub Of The Year. The full results can be seen on the Pub Of The Year page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We’re pleased to report that Tiffany and Jason Giles have taken over the Butchers arms in Bishops Itchington<\/a> from 8 January 2025. Congratulations to the 12 pubs in our branch area that are in the new 2025 Good Beer Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All are welcome to the 17th Stratford-Upon-Avon Beer and Cider Festival<\/a> at Stratford Racecourse. Opening times are Friday 6 June 12:00-23:00, and Saturday 7 June 11:00-22:00 (or when the beer runs out). Entry is \u00a310 in advance<\/a> or \u00a312 on the door for which you get \u00a35 of drink tokens, a non-refundable glass and a souvenir programme, with CAMRA members receiving an additional free half pint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There will be up to 50 cask beers and 20 ciders chosen from near and far. Some of the highlights are two commemorative beers from Uley brewery, who are celebrating their 40th birthday, limited edition beers from Butcombe along with the Hung, Drawn ‘N’ Double Port from the excellent local brewery, North Cotswold, which has four bottles of Port added to each cask of beer. A full list and other details are on the festival’s website<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is live music on Saturday afternoon, food vendors will also be on site both days and dogs and children are welcome. Please check the website<\/a> for travel information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Camping<\/a> is also available. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The results are now available for the 2024 Pub Of The Year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Heart of Warwickshire Branch Christmas Dinner will be held at 7pm on Saturday 14 December 2024 at the Cape Of Good Hope in Warwick. You can buy tickets by clicking or scanning the QR code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Full details are on our events page here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Kidderminster Beer & Cider Festival<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kidderminster Beer & Cider Festival 2024 takes place from 7-9th November at The Harriers Social & Supporters Club, Stadium Close, Kidderminster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More details are available on their website<\/a> and Facebook<\/a> with discounted advance tickets available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Old Post Office 10th Anniversary Celebrations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Old Post Office will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Friday 19 July. Situated at 12 West Street in Warwick, the \u201cOPO\u201d has become a firm favourite in the town and for visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u201cOPO\u201d first opened its doors back in 2014 to high acclaim and has been in every edition of the Good Beer Guide since then. It has also been winner or runner-up in the Heart of Warwickshire CAMRA Pub of the Year competition every eligible year \u2013 an amazing nine times. This included being local winner three times and in 2018 it went on to win the County Pub of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pub was the vision turned into reality of Tom Douglas, ably assisted by daughter Gemma and wife Gill – Tom bringing his years of licensing experience and Gemma her expertise in beer selection ensuring there was always something interesting to tempt the tastebuds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In April 2023 new owners Tim and Rachel took on the reins, keeping the character and ethos of the pub while carrying out some light renovations including the installation of a much-needed cool room. This also allowed an expansion not only of the beer offering but also addition of a full range of spirits, wine and soft drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The anniversary will be officially marked in a ceremony by the Mayor of Warwick, Councillor Dave Skinner, at approximately 7pm on Friday 19 July. It would be great to see lots of branch members there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The festivities start from 3pm on Friday and include Tom\u2019s Tombola, hosted by previous landlord Tom Douglas, as well as snacks on hand and beers and ciders selected by a few pub \u201ccelebrities\u201d. The fun continues Saturday daytime including the usual regular 3-5pm live music slot with firm favourite Wes Finch and his band (pictured below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe feel honoured to be able to celebrate 10 years of The Old Post Office\u201d said Tim Maccabee, current licensee. \u201cWe\u2019ve been here for just over a year but already feel right at home in this lovely community pub. But of course, we wanted to include Tom, Gill and Gemma in the celebrations and are looking forward to seeing many of our regulars to share a glass or two!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our HoW CAMRA chair, Julie Griffiths, commented: \u201cHeart of Warwickshire CAMRA is blessed with a thriving real ale scene and The Old Post Office is one of the best! There\u2019s always a warm welcome at The OPO and always something interesting to try on the bar. We\u2019re delighted to congratulate the team and regulars on 10 wonderful years!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below you can see some old and new pictures of The OPO and a couple of the brilliant Wes Finch, who is performing at 3pm on Saturday 20 July. If you recognise John Parker, the bass player, he was in Nizlopi, famous for the JCB Song about 20 years ago.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nButchers Arms, Bishops Itchington<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They have run pubs in the local area area for several years, all of which became Cask Marque accredited, and they were awarded Rugby CAMRA’s “Most Improved Pub” award in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2025 Good Beer Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nStratford-upon-Avon Beer Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/how.camra.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025-Stratford-Beer-Festival.png\")
<\/figure>
\n\n\n\n2024 Pub of the Year<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBranch Christmas Dinner<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/how.camra.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024-Christmas-Dinner-QR-Code-300x300.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/how.camra.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024-Kidderminster-Beer-Festival.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/how.camra.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/OPO-10th-Anniversary-723x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>