Rotherham Camra

PUB OF THE YEAR THE WAVERLEY

The Waverley, Brinsworth Road, Catcliffe has been named as the first Rotherham CAMRA Pub of the Year. It achieved this distinction by finishing top of the list of over forty Rotherham pubs which were surveyed by Branch members for the Good Beer Guide 2001. The Waverley is a previous winner of the Pub of the Season Award in Autumn 1994 and Winter 1997.

The pubs were judged in seven areas. First and most important was Beer Quality, which carried more than one third of the marks. Other points that were noted were Service and Welcome, Value for Money, Décor and Atmosphere, Hygiene, Facilities and Campaign support.

The Waverley was opened in 1984 by its present licensees Ron and Lorraine Woodthorpe. A stone built pub of modern design, it comprises three main drinking areas. The smallest of these is the Tap Room, a quieter area for Games etc. The Lounge is the main bar area where entertainment is sometimes provided in the evenings.

Four Cask Ales are always available, sourced from the largest national brewers to the smallest independent. Ron, as many brewers will testify, is a hard businessman when it comes to buying his beers and he keeps his prices competitive. A particular favourite of his is the Glentworth Brewery of Doncaster. One of their beers can usually be found along with beers from other local brewers such as Barnsley, Kelham Island and Townes.

The third room is the large Children's Room. Free entertainment for kids is provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings plus some cabaret nights for adults in mid-week.

Outside is a large patio and a vast grassed area with slides and swings which is well away from the busy main road.

At one time Ron was even toying with the idea of using some of this space to build his own brewery, making it the first brewery in Rotherham for over 40 years. Unfortunately for Ron, Wentworth Brewery beat him to it and the plans have now been shelved.

The Waverley will be the venue of the Yorkshire Regional Meeting of CAMRA on Saturday, June 10th 2000. Starting at around 12.15pm, this event is being organised by the Rotherham Branch and up to 50 delegates from all the Yorkshire Branches are expected to attend.

The award for the Pub of the Year will be made at this meeting and all CAMRA members are invited to attend.

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