Bury breweries share CAMRA Pub of the Year title in surprise tie

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 21:45

By David Murphy

Two Bury venues have been named joint winners of the CAMRA Pub of the Year award for Rochdale, Oldham and Bury, with Irwell Works Brewery calling the result a “dead heat”.

Irwell Works Brewery and Broad Street Social will share the coveted title of Bury Pub of the Year for 2025, as decided by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The unusual tie was announced this week following a close-run vote by members of the branch.

Irwell Works Brewery, located in Ramsbottom, described itself as “over the moon” with the news. It will host the official presentation of the award at its venue on Saturday 25 May at 12 noon. The brewery extended its gratitude on social media, saying: “A massive thank you to everyone who voted for us! To all of our loyal customers, thank you for continued custom and support, we wouldn’t be here without you!”

The CAMRA award recognises pubs that consistently serve quality real ale in a friendly atmosphere. Both Irwell Works Brewery and Broad Street Social have been praised in for their commitment to craft beer and welcoming spaces.

CAMRA members visited nominated pubs across the region in recent months to assess beer quality, cleanliness, atmosphere, service and community focus. The Bury category is one of several local awards across Greater Manchester that feed into the national Pub of the Year competition.

Local real ale enthusiasts are being encouraged to join Saturday’s event at Irwell Works Brewery to celebrate the win.