Oxford CAMRA:
Old Bookbinder's Arms Wins City Pub of the Year 2008

19th December 2008

The Old Bookbinders in Jericho has been crowned Oxford CAMRA's City Pub of the Year 2008. This quirky back street pub is owned by Greene King, but licensees Matty Marren and Maureen Whelan have gained a reputation for the quality and range of their beers since they took charge three years ago.

In December the branch voted on a shortlist of six pubs in order to find an overall winner. All voters had to visit the six pubs and have their voting form stamped, and once this was completed, they ranked the six pubs in their order of preference.

Members were not just judging beer quality: the fact that the pubs had been shortlisted meant that beer quality was expected to be excellent. To choose between them, members were asked to consider the service they received, the welcome from the staff, the ambience and atmosphere of the pub, and its commitment to real ale and the aims of CAMRA.

At a social event just before Christmas, as he presented Matty and Maureen with a certificate and congratulated them and their staff on their success, branch chairman Matt Bullock said,

"This is well deserved, and it's great to see a pub owned by one of the big breweries winning - proving that this should not be a barrier to providing choice and quality for customers."

Matty was delighted with the award, commenting,

"It's a tough time for the pub trade but we will continue to do what we do best - offer a friendly welcome for customers, good pub food, and an excellent choice of real ales."

The Masons Arms at Headington was the runner-up in the contest, followed by the Harcourt Arms in Jericho. Other shortlisted pubs were the Turf Tavern, the Rose & Crown, and the Kings Arms.

After the event, Matty and Maureen said:

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those CAMRA members who felt we had done enough, not only be nominated for, but to be awarded the title of Oxford CAMRA pub of the year 2008. While we have worked hard to achieve the accolade it, the Bookbinders would not have won if it was not for our excellent staff and patronage by such a great bunch of punters. Thanks very much."