Club in 'friendly' and 'safe' village crowned nation's best for second year
For the second year in a row, Marden Village club in a Kent has been named the best social club in the UK by the Campaign for Real Ale
CAMRA
For the second year in a row, Marden Village club in a Kent has been named the best social club in the UK by the Campaign for Real Ale.
CAMRA run a yearly competition in partnership with Club Mirror magazine, with the goal of finding the best clubs who are committed to having the best ale, providing great atmosphere and being welcoming.
Sitting at the heart of the community in Marden, the Grade II listed club has six real ales which are produced locally, plus snooker and dart teams for their members.
The Club’s village Steward Simon Banfield said: "It’s a good place for everyone to socialise, people feel safe when they come in and they get a range of drinks which they keep coming back for more.
Sitting at the heart of the community in Marden, the Grade II listed club has six real ales which are produced locally
GB News
"We have a warm hub every Thursday, people come in for a coffee, tea, sit down and have a chat with their friends.
Some of the members who have been part of the club for decades said: "It speaks for itself doesn't it, you know look at the people in it. We have about 1600 members, what more could you ask for?”
Another said: "You meet people from all walks of life. So to me that is what makes a good club. Plenty of people, good drinks and pleasant atmosphere.”
Since 1987, the National Club of the year title has been given to the best performing clubs across the country.
CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “This achievement is an incredible feat for the club, to win the award two years on the trot is testament to the hard work of the staff and the dedication of its members.
Meanwhile, Phil Gregg, National Club Co-ordinator for CAMRA told GB News that the reason they won again is because they are a “fantastic community club.”
He said: “I was chatting to a guy earlier, they’ve raised now £30,000 for charity just this year.
"It brings all the community together no matter what time you come in.
“There’s always a buzz about the place, you get people from different areas of society, people coming in after work and people coming in for socialising and the beer is really good - which helps!”
CAMRA say Clubs are a vital part of the UK culture and deserve to be celebrated each year alongside pubs.
They added that It is essential that people continue to visit their local clubs and of course, bring a friend!