‘Pub of the Year’ real ale accolade for Thame’s Mayor

Peter & Trudi receive their certificate from Alexander Wright (Right) Photo by Frank Millar

THE Cross Keys pub and micro brewery in Thame, run by the Mayor of Thame, Peter Lambert, has officially been judged ‘Pub of Year’ for the second time in three years, by the area branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

The Pub of the Year competition is CAMRA’s recognition of excellence in the pub industry, and the Cross Keys, Thame, has beaten 270 other pubs in the Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe branch area to win this prestigious award.

Alexander Wright, CAMRA’s Branch Chairman, said: “We always have very strong competition for Pub of the Year, but the Cross Keys in Thame was the overwhelming choice of the branch.

“The two runners up, the Royal Standard, Wooburn Common and the Whip Inn, Lacey Green, were pipped at the post by the Cross Keys’ consistent excellence. The pub’s unique character, with an ever changing selection of real ales and friendly, welcoming atmosphere is an irreplaceable asset to the local community. “

An obviously proud Peter himself said: ” I’m genuinely surprised to have won this award again so soon. I’m very touched and proud of my wife Trudi and the rest of the staff, for working hard to keep standards so high.”

The Cross Keys will now go against winners of other branches in the Central Southern CAMRA Region for a chance to compete in the national Pub of the Year competition that will be announced later this year.