A pub in the north of the Island has come runner up in one of Britain’s most prestigious pub competitions.
The Trafalgar (The Traf) on the quay in Ramsey was up against hundreds of establishments from across the UK and had already won the regional title 2023.
CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), who have over 150,000 members, is an independent consumer organisation, which promotes real ale, cider and perry and traditional British pubs and clubs.
CAMRA also has a very active Isle of Man branch which runs the hugely successful Beer Festival each April.
Not just the beer
The judges are looking for a number of qualities with a range of criteria including the atmosphere, the welcome, service, decor , the engagement with the community and of course the beer.
The Trafalgar is no stranger to CAMRA accolades, having lifted the Isle of Man title in 2022 and 2023 and then won the West Pennines Regional Pub of the Year in 2023, beating hundreds of pubs from across Cumbria and Lancashire.
Steph said it was so nerve wrecking to be a finalist and was amazing to be in the same category as some major pubs such as the Tamworth Tap which went on to win the overall title.
Tourism
The accolade is also likely to attract additional visitors to the Isle of Man.
Steph told Manx.News that CAMRA members actively visit the pubs that have won awards and even in December she had CAMRA customers who had traveled to the Island to visit The Traf and sample the beer.
The Traf is owned by Odin’s Brewery and sells a range of beers from Odin, but also heavily features guest ales which are constantly changing through the year.
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