The Baum in Rochdale named best pub in Britain
The Baum in Rochdale, Lancashire has been crowned the best pub in Britain by Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale.
The award recognises pubs for their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix, but most importantly, the quality of the beer.
The Baum has only been a pub for around 30 years and was converted from Morris's Hardware Store in the 1980s.
Simon Crompton, one of the owners, started work in The Baum in 1993 and became manager in 1994. In 2005, Simon and his wife Heidi, who co-owns the business, bought the pub just two days after having their first child.
On hearing the news, Heidi Crompton said: "We were ecstatic to hear that we had been voted Camra's National Pub of the Year. We are very proud of the team that have played an important role in The Baum's success and it is a testament to their hard work that the consumers have recognised our pub with this prestigious award."
She added: "We are a family run pub with our values influencing every aspect of the business in relationships with our staff and suppliers. We are dedicated to the ‘buy local, shop local' initiative, always willing to support independent businesses. The support from the regular customers and local Camra members is valued and we would like to thank everyone for their continued support."
Camra's Pubs Director, Julian Hough said: "I would like to congratulate Simon, Heidi and all of the staff at the Baum on winning Camra's national award. This close to town pub has a winning formula which is well supported by customers."
Peter Alexander, chairman of Rochdale, Oldham and Bury Camra said: "Clearly we are absolutely thrilled that the Baum has been chosen as Camra's National Pub of the Year. While we locally know how good a pub the Baum is, it is fantastic to have this confirmed by senior judges who have never visited it before."
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