CAMRA — Campaign for Real Ale: Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable branch — campaigning to protect beer and pubs in the Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable area

CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

Canterbury, Herne Bay & Whitstable branch

About our branch

Canterbury, Herne Bay & Whitstable is one of 200 local CAMRA branches, covering the three main towns in the area plus outlying villages.

As well as supporting CAMRA's national and local campaigns, the branch has an active social calendar — see the diary for details. We also hold monthly meetings to discuss CAMRA business, always at a pub in the branch area.

All members are welcome to attend social events and branch meetings.

The branch area is also home to the Kent Beer Festival.

If you are not from the Canterbury, Herne Bay & Whitstable area, find out about your local CAMRA branch by visiting CAMRA near you.

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Good Beer Guide 2008

Good Beer Guide 2008 cover picture

The Good Beer Guide is the longest running and best-selling guide to the best pubs for real ale in Britain.

Compiled by CAMRA's 82,000 dedicated volunteer members, it is the definitive source of information on where to find cask-conditioned real ale in tip-top condition. The Guide also contains a unique Breweries section, listing all the breweries — national, regional and micro — that produce cask beer, along with tasting notes compiled by CAMRA experts.

Visit the CAMRA national website to buy your copy now.

Ship Centurion Wins

Roland Birks, landlord of the Ship Centurion, Whitstable, was presented with the Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year 2007 award by CAMRA's Regional Director, Kae Mendham, last night (Wednesday 18th September). The presentation took place in the pub's front bar and was attended by CAMRA members and many of the pub's regulars.


"...delighted"

CAMRA in Kent Regional Director Kae Mendham said: "I am delighted to present this award to the Ship Centurion which recognises Roland's hard work and dedication to real ale and running a fantastic pub. Competition for the Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year title is really tough as we have some wonderful pubs in our county. Quality of beer is the single most important factor in judging a pub for a CAMRA award and the Ship Centurion sells a range of interesting beers in top condition. On top of that, Roland gives cask beer a positive push with information offered about the ales on sale."


Stiff Competition

As the holder of the East Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year title, the Ship Centurion beat off competition from the West Kent CAMRA Pub of the Year, the Halfway House at Brenchley, to win the overall county title. Both pubs were visited anonymously by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) judges from outside Kent to be assessed and given marks for various criteria including quality of the real ale, atmosphere and warmth of welcome.


Four Real Ales

The Ship Centurion is a freehouse situated on Whitstable's High Street. It always serves four real ales - two of these are regularly changing guest beers which complement the ever-present Adnams Bitter and a mild, normally Elgoods Black Dog. The pub is the only one in Whitstable to always serve draught mild beer, one of the most traditional beer styles which is enjoying a revival in today's real ale market. The Ship Centurion regularly features in CAMRA's annual Good Beer Guide, which highlights Britain's best real ale pubs based on recommendations by local CAMRA members, and holds a Cask Marque a national award which recognises excellence in real ale.


German Roots

The atmosphere and décor of a pub are also important criteria for the CAMRA award. The Ship Centurion is a comfortable pub with a separate conservatory and TV lounge which is a popular venue during major sports events. Live music is hosted most Thursday evenings and touches such as a menu featuring a selection of authentic home-cooked German dishes (along with traditional English favourites) reflect the landlord's German roots.


Deserved Winner

Mrs Mendham added: "A good pub is one where anyone can go in and feel comfortable, whoever they are. The Ship Centurion attracts a cross section of people and a variety of age groups, and it appeals to locals and visitors alike. All in all, the Ship Centurion is a pleasant place to be with a friendly welcome and efficient service and it is a well deserved winner of the county's CAMRA Pub of the Year award."


Contender for National Pub of the Year

The Ship Centurion is one of the 16 regional CAMRA pubs of the year which will be put forward for the title of National Pub of the Year early in 2008.

Story dated Sun 18 Nov 2007