CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has launched its National Pub Design Awards 2016 in a quest to find the most stunningly designed pubs in the UK. The awards, held in association with Historic England, recognise high standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs, and the construction of new ones.
“Whether it’s a converted theatre or a Victorian coaching house, we are looking to discover the best pub interiors and exteriors that Great Britain has to offer. The CAMRA Pub Design Awards competition is open to all pubs in the UK, and buildings can be nominated by their owners, landlords, local CAMRA branch members, or anybody else that thinks the pub deserves to win,” said Sean Murphy, organiser of CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards.
He added: “Entrants should bear in mind that they may be required to provide additional photographs and plans of the building during the judging process, so the pub licensee should always be made aware of, and approve of, the entry.”
Last year’s winners included a diverse range of pubs, from a refurbished and once derelict gin palace in the shape of The Dun Cow in Sunderland to the Bevy estate pub in Brighton that was re-built through the efforts of local residents, and from a magistrates court and police cell in the Lake District converted into a pub to a stylish new pub built in North Devon.
The competition includes five categories:
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New Build: For entirely new built pubs. Judges look for a number of details when assessing the worth of any new establishment. It might reflect its past but without becoming a mere pastiche of Edwardian, Victorian or even Georgian artefacts. Or it could be completely modern, using materials of the 20th or 21st century.
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Refurbishment: Refurbishment can range from a complete gutting and replacement to an enhancement of what was originally there. Refurbishment should suit the individual pub and not be an excuse to use uniform furnishings to brand the pub with brewery or pub companies images.
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Conversion to Pub Use: This is where an existing building is converted to pub use. Pubs are judged on the taste and restraint used on both the outside and inside of the pub.
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CAMRA/Historic England award: This award, sponsored by Historic England, is usually given for work which conserves what is good in the pub to ensure its future for generations of customers.
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Joe Goodwin Award: named after the late CAMRA chair Joe Goodwin – is reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner locals.
The work on entries should have been completed in the period between 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015
To enter the competition visit: www.camra.org.uk/pub-design-aw
Closing date for entries: 31 August 2016
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