Oxford CAMRA:
Pub of the Year Guidelines

Judging for the regional and national CAMRA Pub of the Year competition is done by scoring on the factors listed below. This should give you some idea of what we are looking for in branch Pub of the Year candidate.

1. Quality of Beer: Obviously CAMRA are only going to give an award to a pub which consistently serves excellent real ale. One thing to note is that this is about quality not quantity; although choice of beers is nice to have, one or two really well kept beers are prferable to a wide range of beers which turn out to be mediocre.
2. Community Focus: A good pub is genuinely part of the community in which it is situated, and attracts a good cross-section of local people.
3. Atmosphere: This is difficult to define, but drinkers tend to know when a pub "feels right". Is it a good place to be? Are you going to want to come back on a regular basis?
4. Campaigning: CAMRA is keen to reward pubs which espouse and promote our values. Is cask ale being given a positive push? Is information available on the beers being sold?
5. Style and Decor: Is the decor appropriate and does the style show respect for the building and its history? A pub doesn't have to be a picture-postcard rural gem to score highly here; a basic backstreet boozer is just as valid, if it is a well-kept example of that type of pub.
6. Service and Welcome: Is the service prompt and friendly? Do you get a full measure without having to ask? The staff in a good pub should regard you as a human being rather than just a potential source of revenue!
7. Value for Money: How do prices compare with other pubs in the vicinity?