A COUNTY Durham brewery which has repeatedly served up award-winning beers has been recognised for its contribution to the real ale industry.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has awarded Durham Brewery a golden award for delivering excellence over the years.

Steve Gibbs, co-founder of the Bowburn-based brewery, said: “In 1994, when we launched our five-barrel microbrewery, the local CAMRA branch gave us lots of support.

“In return we were extremely active in assisting the branch. 27 years and lots of pints later, our most popular and enduring beers are from that era and still loved by CAMRA. May our symbiotic relationship continue for many more years.”

Brewery director Elly Bell said: “We would like to thank CAMRA for all of their support over the years. The UK beer scene would not be what it is today without them.

“When CAMRA began 50 years ago they could never have imagined how diverse and accessible real ale has become.

"We are still excited by it and enjoying the ever-changing landscape of beer.”

The golden award – given to just 18 breweries and cider makers across the country. It recognises people or businesses that have helped CAMRA with its aims of securing the long-term future of real ale, cider and perry and promoting and protecting pubs and clubs as social centres as part of the UK's cultural heritage.

CAMRA’s awards director Gary Timmins said: “2021 is our anniversary year, and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the successes and long history of British brewing and cider production – we wouldn’t have got far without their support, or their pints.

“This anniversary comes on the heels of an incredibly difficult time for the industry after a year of lockdowns and restrictions.

“I hope the teams behind the winning breweries and cider makers will take this award as appreciation for all the hard work involved in producing great drinks over the decades. “Nominations were submitted by our members and consumers, which says a lot about the support and impact they have had over the last 50 years.

“Winners have been chosen for their successes in standing the test of time; they are breweries or cider and perry producers that have gone above and beyond in delivering excellence or innovation over the years.

“I applaud them for their dedication and for being industry stalwarts.”

 

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