The Campaign for Real Ale has awarded the Spring 2022 Central Pub of the Season award to the popular Preston pub Vinyl Tap.
AdvertisementIn the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) quarterly magazine Ale Cry, Edd Fletcher heaped praise on Vinyl Tap, calling it ‘a Preston staple for real ale and real music’ and ‘a triumph and well-deserving of the award’.
The accolade follows a CAMRA ‘Most Improved’ award in 2019, with Fletcher highlighting the pub’s unique record shop-inspired theme – and how customers can choose their favourite records to play while enjoying real ales and a selection of ‘delicious’ bratwurst.
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Vinyl Tap, located on Adelphi Street, shared a photo of the Ale Cry article on Facebook.
They said: “What a lovely article in this month’s Ale Cry.
“We are totally humbled and thankful to CAMRA for all their support! See you at the bar?”
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In the article, Fletcher discussed Vinyl Tap’s choice of five ales, including ‘Vinyl Pale’, supplied by Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, and Motorhead’s Roadcrew lager.
The writer also praised the pub’s ‘friendly atmosphere’, competitive prices, and how it attracts a diverse range of music fans, who are happy to chat.
The pub has existed since the 1850s and was previously the Hearts of Oak and the Variety, with Preston North End players counted amongst its previous landlords, including Richard ‘Dicky’ Bond.
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Landlord Sean Keefe has kept the pub alive throughout lockdown and has undertaken fundraising activities for cancer charities each year, including a 666-mile cycle for the Heavy Metal Truants and ‘Walking Against Cancer’.
In the article, Fletcher said: “Congratulations to Sean and the Vinyl Tap staff on all they’ve achieved with the pub over the last few years.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather discover new music and old favourites with a quality pint.”
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What are your thoughts on the award? Let us know in the comments below.