The Hop Inn, in Hornchurch, East London, has won the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year award.
The award recognises, across the country, the pub or club that best promotes and encourages the sale of quality real cider and perry.
The award will come as no surprise to regulars, with the micropub boasting at least ten real ciders and perries on tap. It’s owned by Phil Cooke and Alison Taffs. Alison is a drinks educator and an advocate for cider, having recently set up the London Cider and Perry Club to help foster interest in and knowledge of this special drink.
Alison and Phil said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the national Cider and Perry Pub of the Year competition! The Hop Inn is small and fairly new, having opened in 2019 and going straight into a pandemic. The last few years have been tough, so to receive this accolade is quite amazing for us and our small team.”
Alison added: “I know how good real cider and perry can be, and I want it to be viewed with the same enthusiasm and respect that we see across other drink categories. We have so many talented producers in this country who are creating things that are just extraordinary, and I love sharing these amazing drinks with our visitors.”
CAMRA’s competition co-ordinator, Sarah Newson, said: “It is a huge achievement for any pub or club to win such a major accolade. Its success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Alison has put in towards bringing cider to the table.
“The Hop Inn was chosen by judges not only because the staff were very knowledgeable about real cider and perry, but also because they felt like regulars upon entering. With an incredibly warm welcome and a large range of real ciders and perries served at top quality and temperature, the Hop Inn really was the clear winner in this competition.”
