The owners of a popular Chester pub have been recognised for supplying top tipples is being presented with a national accolade.

That Beer Place in Foregate Street has been crowned National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2024 by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The award recognises the best pub or club that promotes and encourages the sale real cider and perry across the UK. 

Owners Lisa and Dale Lord collect the accolade on Tuesday, October 1 at That Beer Place at 1.30pm, as part of the Campaign’s Cider and Perry Month.

That Beer Place has become a hub for both beer and cider enthusiasts alike, with a real focus on showcasing a diverse range of ciders and perries. Judges were impressed with the select and interesting variety of draught ciders and perries, supplemented by a diverse and wide choice of bottles.

The newly crowned pub boasts of up to 140 real ciders and perries, promoting producers from the UK, Europe, America and beyond, along with around 350 beers. The popular and inclusive venue attracts thirsty visitors from far and wide and is well respected within the local community, having previously been a part of the old Chester Market as part of the venue's final flourish before its move.

Reacting to being crowned the best cider pub in the UK, Lisa Lord said: “We’re chuffed to bits to be named CAMRA’s National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2024!

"For the past three and a half years, we’ve had a passion for being at the forefront of championing real cider and perry, and it’s great to finally be recognised on a national level. Our goal has always been to make Chester a destination for cider and perry celebration in the UK. This award only solidifies that vision.”

Judges praised the extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for cider and perry shown by the pub’s team, and their deep commitment to educate the public about these wonderful drinks.

That Beer Place regularly stages events with independent UK cider makers and industry experts, with future plans to launch a training programme named That Cider School to teach local restaurants and drinks buyers about the diversity and variety of cider.

The pub hosts monthly Chester Cider Club evenings which aim to foster a community of cider lovers who are open to exploring new flavours and reject the chaptalised, diluted, industrial drinks that masquerade under the same name – something CAMRA wholeheartedly agrees with.

CAMRA’s competition co-ordinator Sarah Newson said: “That Beer Place is a very worthy winner, and I congratulate Lisa and Dale for creating such a positive environment for cider and perry education to flourish. Their desire to put cider front and centre in the UK drinks scene is admirable and one we can all support.

“As in previous years, the competition was fierce with the top four all being fantastic examples of pubs who champion cider and perry.

"I would thoroughly recommend pubgoers to seek out all the regional winners and experience what a truly great pint of real cider and perry can be. The difference in taste between what these pubs can offer and the mass-produced ciders from commercial producers commonly found in supermarkets is astounding.”