MP visits CAMRA award winning pub
The Wilkes Head in Eastergate welcomed their MP Nick Herbert on a visit last Friday (15 February).
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) invited the Arundel and South Downs MP to the pub that has been named as Sussex & Surrey pub of the year 2012. This title places The Wilkes Head in the top 16 pubs in the country.
The competition helps to highlight quality pubs around the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting. They are judged by CAMRA members on the quality of the real ales served, community focus, value for money, atmosphere, customer service and the welcome they give to the public.
Mr Herbert met landlords Trevor and Sonia Brown, and they were joined by locals and members of the Western Sussex Branch of CAMRA, including Peter Brown, the branch Secretary, and Philip Wildsmith, the branch Chairman.
Mr Brown explained to the MP how they are keen to promote pubs as the place to drink real ale and to make pub-going as the sensible way to drink and have fun. Half of all beer sales are through pubs, and 87 per cent of the beer sold is brewed in the UK. The demand for real ale is increasing, and this has led to more breweries being established.
The Wilkes Head, named after the eighteenth century radical politician John Wilkes,, was established in 1803 and the Grade II Listed Building retains many original features.
Following the visit, Nick Herbert said: ”I can see why The Wilkes Head is such a popular pub and was voted Sussex pub of the year. It has a lovely atmosphere and the sandwiches and home made sausage rolls which we had for lunch were quite delicious. I am very grateful to CAMRA for inviting me to the pub, and to Trevor and Sonia Brown for making me so welcome.”
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition is judged by CAMRA’s 145,000 members. Each of the 200 CAMRA branches vote for their favourite pub. The branch winners are entered into 16 regional competitions, with the 16 winners then battling it out to reach these final stages.
2. More information about The Wilkes Head can be found at their website www.wilkesheadeastergate.co.uk.