The Water Witch, Lancaster’s multi-award winning canalside pub, has added another title to a growing list of honours. Now voted Pub of the Year by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the award was made at a special event attended by customers, staff, representatives of the pub trade and CAMRA members.
The award was in recognition of the range and consistent quality of beers offered by the Water Witch. It also reflected the commitment of the management to promoting cask ales through its imaginative beer festivals. The pub has previously been voted CAMRA’s Pub of the Season, and was judged North West Regional Champion in The Great British Pub awards organised by the influential trade paper The Morning Advertiser.
Presenting the certificate, Lunesdale CAMRA chair Jenny Greenhalgh described the pub as a “must visit venue” for the discerning drinker. “There isn’t a week without something good going on here — it’s a place with a really broad appeal, offering quality ale, tempting food and themed beer festivals: a sparkling example of a great pub.”
Accepting the award, Water Witch manager Jane Barnes said that since taking over 18 months ago her key aim had been to promote real ale in excellent condition. “These days ale drinkers demand plenty of choice and I have tried to respond to that.”
She added: “I feel lucky to be manager here, and getting this award is an opportunity to thank my hard working staff and all the loyal customers. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The most recent beer festival at the pub was a celebration of Irish ales to mark St Patrick’s Day. As a contribution to National Cask Ale week (29 March – 5 April) there will be a festival with an old v new theme, featuring ales from long-established and new micro breweries.