A rotation of thousands of real ales chosen by locals has crowned Wickersley’s Three Horseshoes the Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) winter 2017 ‘Pub of the Season’.
Far from being just a pub that sells ale well, manager Les Hince has visited 120 breweries in the last 10 months in the pursuit of the finest ales along with customers who nominate the ales, making it extra special when their choices do grace the taps.
“In the eleven years we’ve been at the pub, we’ve encouraged real ale nominations, taking our customers opinions seriously. If a suggested brew does hit the pumps, it’s labelled with the nominees name on it,” said Les who has taken the pub from selling just 50 pints a week to a colossal 3,200 pints a week.
Marking on quality, variety and service, Rotherham CAMRA presented the award on Wednesday the 22nd February at the pub in front of locals and CAMRA members who nominated the pub.
Favoured cask ales in the winter season have included Old Speckled Hen; Adnams Broadside; Dukeries Mining Stout and Bobs Brewing Co Black Lion.
By far the favourite, emptying the cask within two hoursandhellip; Bradfield’s Farmers Belgian Blue, a rare seasonal ale available for only three months of the year. Having been yellow and purple in the past, it’s always a surprise as to what colour will hit the glass!
Local brewer, Acorn brewery, are next adding to the pubs real ale reputation, brewing it their own unique ale; the beer will be named after local boy Matthew ‘Beanz’ Kiernan who took his own life three years ago. “Beanz Brew” will be available in time for the annual music festival ‘Beanz Bash’ on May 27th, which is held in Matthew’s memory, raising money for CALM charity.