Pub tipped for top award

Tuesday March 23, 2010

Real ale buffs have given a historic Hammersmith boozer their nod of approval by nominating it for a prestigious pub award.

The Albion, Hammersmith Road, has been shortlisted by Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) for its West London Pub of the Year prize.

Publican Chris Slater, 29, who has been lease owner of the drinking spot for the past two and a half years, said he was pleasantly surprised to have been recognised by the beer appreciation society.

"We're down to the last six pubs and a lot of the others are older pubs, whereas we have a youngish crowd so it's great they have noticed us," he said.

Chris said the pub, which is linked to the Heineken brewery, rotated its real ales from a selection of 30 including Station Porter, Gem and Doombar.

"We also have an ale called the Flying Dutchman coming up, which I think will be the favourite for the summer," he said.

The winner of the west London contest will be announced on March 31 and if successful, the Albion will progress to a London-wide Camra award in July, followed by a regional and then national competition later in the year.

Camra regional director for Greater London Kimberly Martin said: "We're encouraging Camra members to vote for their favourite pub, which they can do via our website."

Kimberly, who is also chairwoman of Camra's west London branch, said the ale organisation looked at a wide range of criteria in nominating pubs for the award.

"Great beer is essential and we also look at their clientele mix, whether they are welcoming and the attitude of their staff," she said. "

And they also need to be sympathetic to Camra aims like promoting real ale."

For more details on the awards or to cast your vote, visit: www.westlondon-camra.org.uk (opens new window).