CAMRA has announced the winners of its 2024 best pub awards in Croydon.

The Croydon CAMRA branch announced that Claret & Ale on Lower Addiscombe Road is Croydon’s Pub of the Year for 2024.

Claret & Ale has won Croydon’s Pub of the Year since 2019, and owner Charlie Reid was awarded with his sixth certificate by the branch chair David Lands.

The pub prides itself on using cask – or “real” ale - and they highly recommend their Palmers house beer.

Charity events are often held at Claret & Ale.

A statement on its website said: “Close to Addiscombe Tram Stop, the Claret & Ale is a small, privately owned friendly free house with a constantly changing selection of cask ales in addition to the popular Palmers IPA.

“Current and coming beers - often including a second Palmers beer - are indicated on a special board on the wall opposite the bar.

“The TV screens show a variety of sporting events, usually with the sound muted.

“Events are held to raise money for charity.

“Our pub has often been the local CAMRA Croydon Pub of the Year and is again for 2024.”

Founded in 1971, CAMRA is regarded as "one of the most successful consumer organisations in Europe."

The organisation envisions a future where pubs selling real ale, cider, and perry thrive within local communities.

Its mission is to promote and advocate for:

- The production, availability, and enjoyment of quality real ale, cider, and perry.

- The role of pubs and clubs as social hubs and integral parts of the UK's cultural heritage.

- The benefits of responsible social drinking.

A spokesperson for CAMRA said: “We do this by supporting and encouraging the beer and pubs trade by running beer festivals, lobbying the Government for change, running numerous awards and developing bespoke pub finders and guides.

“There’s plenty for everyone, whether you’re a dedicated campaigner, a beer connoisseur looking to learn more about beer or just want to meet up with friends in your local.

“Why not join the beer movement?”

In addition to Pub of the Year, CAMRA offers various other awards such as Champion Beer of Britain, Club of the Year, champion home brewer of Britain, cider and perry pub of the Year and more.

Claret & Ale is open from 12pm to 11pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, 12pm to 11.30pm on Thursday, 12pm to 12am on Friday, and 12pm to 11.30pm on Saturday.