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A place popularly known as “the Mecca of real ale” has received a prestigious award from consumer organisation The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The canal-side White Cross, one of only six Lancaster city pubs in the national Good Beer Guide, was given the Quality Pub Award (Pub of the Year) by the local branch of CAMRA at a ceremony at the pub.
The White Cross, which hosts up to 14 local and regional cask ales each week, as well as a famous yearly Beer & Pie festival, was described by Lunesdale branch chair Jenny Greenhalgh as a “happy pub and a great place to be.” Presenting the award, she paid tribute to the pub and what it offered: “Good beer, well kept and presented, traditional games, quality pub food and friendly staff.”
And it was the staff who were thanked first by landlord Tim Tomlinson as he accepted the framed certificate. “They’re hard working, dedicated, but above all they care — about the customers and the product.”
He went on to refer to the stiff competition for the award. “Drinkers are spoilt for choice when it comes to real ale in this area, which is why we feel genuinely honoured to have won this.” He added: “I think our recipe for success is the variety of ales and beer styles you’ll find here, together with our commitment to the customers in creating the kind of place they want a pub to be.”
The 7th annual Beer & Pie Festival takes place this week, from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th April at the White Cross and also at the Penny Bank and the Merchants in Lancaster.