Serving pride in Lancashire

Taps landlord Steve Norris with CAMRA area organiser Adrian Smith and branch chairman Paul Smith

The Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) announced its 2015 Club of the Year and Pub of the Year have both gone on to win their respective Lancashire awards.

Club of the Year Blackpool Cricket Club has added the Lancashire Club of the Year for 2015 to its ever-growing list of achievements.

Presenting the award, pubs officer Rick Pickup said: “Once again, the Cricket Club has shown itself to be the best real ale club in the Fylde, and now that goes for Lancashire.

Cricket Club licensee Pete Campbell with CAMRA pubs officer Rick Pickup

“At this rate they will need to build an extension to display the certificates.”

Licensee Pete Campbell said: “A few years ago, we were having to appeal for donations from members just to keep the club going.

“Selling real ale has helped to turn the club’s fortunes around and I thank CAMRA members for playing their part in that.”

Not to be out-done, The Taps, Lytham, added the Lancashire Pub of the Year 2015 title to its success at branch level.

Presenting the award, CAMRA Lancashire area organiser Adrian Smith said: “The Taps has won this award four times in the last 11 years.

“When you consider the high standard of real ale pubs in Lancashire, this is a fantastic achievement.”

Landlord Steve Norris paid tribute to his staff for winning the award.

He said: “Although it says ‘The Taps’ on the certificate, the award is really for the whole team behind the bar.”

The Taps has recently re-opened after a comprehensive refurbishment.

Both Blackpool Cricket Club and The Taps now go forward to compete with clubs and pubs from Cumbria and the Isle of Man for the West Pennine Regional awards – the next step on the road to potential national success.