CAMRA Design Awards 2008 launched

July 8, 2008: The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has sent an open invitation to Britain's pub designers, architects and owners in a bid to reward the high standards and hard work undergone during 2007.

In association with English Heritage and The Victorian Society, the Pub Design Awards have become a highly sought-after accolade, with past winners enjoying an increased profile with the media and consumers as a result.

Since their inception in 1982, the awards have encouraged publicans to consider aspects of conservation and maintenance, while also awarding those who modernise certain features of their public house without affecting the heritage of the building.

The awards will be judged by CAMRA's Pubs Group, individuals unequalled in the field of pub preservation and architecture. The awards will be split into the following four categories:

New-build pub This category is for entirely new-built pubs. The judges look for a number of details when judging the worth of any new establishment. The pub might reflect pubs of the past but without becoming a mere pastiche of Edwardian, Victorian or even Georgian artefacts. Or it could be completely modern, using materials of the 20th or 21st century.

Conversion to pub use This is where an existing building is converted to pub use. Pubs are judged on the taste and restraint used on both the outside and inside of the pub.

Refurbished pub Refurbishment can range from a complete gutting to replacing what was crass and in bad taste with something far better to an enhancement of what was originally there. Refurbishment should suit the individual pub and not be an excuse to use uniform furnishings to brand the pub with a brewery or pub company's image.

CAMRA / English Heritage conservation award This award, sponsored by English Heritage, is usually given for work on a pub which conserves what is good in the pub, makes good some of the crass refurbishment efforts of the past and ensures that the fabric of the place will survive for further generations of pubgoers and drinkers to enjoy.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA's press manager, said: “In an age where new quickly replaces the old, it is great to reward those that consider Britain's heritage and architecture when it comes to pub design.

"CAMRA's Pub Design Awards will go to those that have shown innovation and good taste without having to rip out a pub interior and create something completely new.

“In the past a number of pubcos have insisted on creating a theme that makes their pubs look exactly the same where ever they are located in Britain. This may give them a brand identity, but experience shows that themes soon become out of fashion and this leads to companies throwing more money at creating another theme!

"What is the matter with investing in traditional, quality pub design that has worked for many pubs over the years? It is the difference in the look and feel of Britain's pubs that creates such an interest and makes our pubs industry unique.”

If you own, design, work, live, or merely like the look of your local, you can award recommendations. Application forms can be downloaded from the CAMRA website and entries can be submitted by post to Jon Howard, CAMRA Pub Design Awards, Campaign for Real Ale Ltd, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans,
Herts AL1 4LW. The closing date for all entries is September 30, 2008, with presentation ceremonies for all award winners to be confirmed at a later date.