Turks Head crowned St Helens and District CAMRA Pub of the Year
The Turks Head on Morley Street has been named St Helens and District Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The popular pub fought off strong competition from venues across the branch** to once again take the title of best real ale pub, as voted for by CAMRA members.
It marks the seventh time the Turks Head has won the award since the St Helens branch split from Liverpool in 2008. The pub has also been named Cider Pub of the Year, recognising its range of quality real ciders.
Adding to the celebrations, the Turks Head’s sister pub, The Cowley Vaults, finished second in the voting, with The Lamb in third place.
Landlord of both the Turks Head and The Cowley Vaults, Daryl Arrowsmith, said:
“I’m thrilled to win Pub of the Year again. Everyone at the Turks Head has worked really hard and I’d like to thank the staff, the customers and CAMRA for all their support.
“I’m also really chuffed that The Cowley has come second. We never expected that, so it’s fantastic to see. It’s often been in the shadow of the Turks, but the staff have been working really hard to help it stand out in its own right and not just be the ‘sister pub’. I really am over the moon.”
Ian Pye, St Helens and District CAMRA Pubs Officer, said:
“Just being shortlisted for this competition is a real achievement. It shows these pubs are consistently serving excellent real ale throughout the year and are among the very best in our branch when it comes to quality.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to visit the shortlisted pubs and vote using the same judging criteria for each venue. That process ensures the competition is as fair as possible when deciding the winner.
“At a time when pubs are closing at an alarming rate and many are struggling with rising costs such as business rates, CAMRA remains committed to supporting great pubs. Encouraging people to get out and visit pubs – often ones they may never have tried before – helps strengthen community support and reminds people that pubs are about much more than just drinking; they are vital social hubs.”
The Turks Head will now go up against Liverpool, Southport and Wirral’s Pub of the Year winners to be in with a chance of winning Merseyside Pub of the Year.
** The 8 pubs in the shortlist were the Beer EnGin (Whiston), Cowley Vaults, Cricketers Arms, The Firkin (NLW), The Kikfield (NLW), The Lamb Inn, The Star Inn (Rainford) and Turks Head
