A MUCH-loved club in Stroud has been named the best by a group of dedicated real-ale drinkers for the third year running. 

The Chalford Sports and Social Club has been voted the best club in the district by Stroud CAMRA - for a third time in a row.

The Stroud CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale award - was presented on Sunday, July 16. 

Since 1988, the group has helped to showcase the best quality pubs, clubs and breweries throughout the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting.

The Chalford club is currently run by manager Ali Brady and her husband Rob.

Tim Mars, Stroud CAMRA Pubs Officer, said: “We had a good turnout of Stroud CAMRA members and the club was very busy, confirming its status as the sporting and social hub of the village.

“Ali Brady became manager in March 2018 and from that point on it was all change on the beer front. 

“In came the hand pumps and on came the real ale, and overnight the club changed from serving only pressurised keg beers to an oasis of real ale.”

Stroud News and Journal: Tony Hill (right, Chair of Stroud CAMRA) presents the certificate to Ali and Rob Brady - photo by Rachel AndrewsTony Hill (right, Chair of Stroud CAMRA) presents the certificate to Ali and Rob Brady - photo by Rachel Andrews (Image: Rachel Andrews)

Stroud News and Journal: Ali Brady (middle) with Rob and Tony Hill (Chair of Stroud CAMRA) while Stroud CAMRA members gather round to toast their achievement - photo by Rachel AndrewsAli Brady (middle) with Rob and Tony Hill (Chair of Stroud CAMRA) while Stroud CAMRA members gather round to toast their achievement - photo by Rachel Andrews (Image: Rachel Andrews)

Rob also runs the Good Beer Company, a local wholesaler which distributes Stroud Brewery beers and other cask ales across the country.

The club hosts several sporting teams including football, tennis, cricket and skittles using the venue’s facilities and its five floodlit courts.

Tim added: “The Chalford Sports & Social Club is an astonishing resource at the heart of the community, offering a wide variety of social and sporting opportunities, from craft clubs to skittles, fitness classes to sport on TV. 

“It is a warm and welcoming place, very family-orientated and where children are always welcome. 

“A good selection of beers was a given.

“On tap were Brew By Numbers 21, a 4.0% pale ale, This Mess from Twisted Barrel, a unfined vegan 4.0% hazy pale ale, Hammerton Crunch, a 5.4% Peanut Butter Milk Stout and Hattie Brown’s Dog on the Roof (6.0%). 

“So a wide range of tastes and strengths was catered for.”

The Chalford Sports & Social Club now goes forward to the next round, to compete with other nominations for the title of Gloucestershire CAMRA Club of the Year.

All photos by Rachel Andrews.