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

The Sutton CAMRA branch announced that The Hope on West Street in Carshalton is Sutton’s Pub of the Year for 2024.

The Hope also won Sutton’s Pub of the Year in 2023, and senior bar staff Joe Ford was awarded The Hope’s second certificate by the branch chair David Lands.

This is also the seventh time in the past thirteen years that The Hope has been featured in the CAMRA list.

The pub prides itself on being run by beer enthusiasts and serving beer enthusiasts.

A statement on its website says: “With seven ale pumps (including selections like Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter, Downton New Forest Ale, as well as a dark, a strong, and a hoppy beer, typically served in lined pint and half glasses), three real ciders, eight keg taps featuring craft beers (with options for thirds), over 20 different cans, and a wide variety of foreign beers, you won’t be short on choices when you visit our bar.

“We’re passionate about beer and want you to enjoy it too, so we ensure there’s something for everyone.

“Not a beer fan? We also offer 11 wines, 14 whiskies, 12 gins, 12 rums, a variety of meads, and more…”

According to the pub’s website, in 2010, The Hope faced closure when plans emerged to turn it into a restaurant.

Loyal customers stepped in, negotiated with Punch Taverns, and secured a 20-year lease to run the pub through a new company, 48 West Limited.

They also bought the fixtures, fittings, and stock, and invested heavily in the pub.

Their efforts led to a large following and the pub has won many awards.

By 2015, they bought the freehold of The Hope, making it fully owned by the 48 West Ltd shareholders.

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.

The Hope is open from 12pm to 11pm on Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 10.30pm on Sunday.