The branch has voted the Egerton Arms in Chelford as their 2012 Pub of the Year. On April 4th Chairman Rob Nicholson presented the award to Jeremy and Anne Hague in a well-filled pub with a good number of members in attendance. Rob opened by saying that support for pubs in these difficult times is as much a part of CAMRA’s focus as promoting real ale. He outlined the criteria used to judge the Pub of the Year, these being beer quality, pub experience, the pub in the community and staff quality. Rob acknowledged the tremendous improvement in all these criteria since the pub became a free house in 2009, reserving particular praise for the staff who work in the pub. Whilst the pub is still a very popular food outlet the keenness to promote good beers was emphasised by the presence of seven cask ales, five from local micros. Such backing for local brewers is another key element of CAMRA’s work.

This award follows on from the pub achieving Pub of the Season in summer 2011. The award automatically enters the pub in the Regional Pub of the Year competition. We congratulate Jeremy and Anne and wish them well for this next stage.

The Egerton Arms at Astbury has been announced as the Branch's Spring Pub of the Season. Licencees Allen and Grace Smith, who run the pub together with the help of their daughter Haley, received the award from Branch Secretary John Barber, in front of regulars and Branch members on 27th March, a lovely spring evening with the village green carpeted in a host of golden daffodils. John commented "there could hardly be a more perfect pub to visit in springtime. Set in the heart of beautiful Astbury village, it caters fantastically well for diners, families, tourists and drinkers who can relax in the bar and enjoy four beers from the Robinsons range". Having run the pub successfully for 17 years, Allen and Grace ensure it is both at the heart of the community in Astbury and welcomes travellers from near and far. But Allen is quick to pay tribute to his staff. "It is the team behind me that make this pub and they deserve all the credit for this award".

The Waters Green Tavern, Macclesfield received the Branch award of Winter Pub of the Season at a well attended social evening on 27th December 2011. The award was presented to Brian and Tracy by Branch Chairman Rob Nicholson who reminded us that despite all the new and improved outlets for real ale in Macclesfield that have opened in recent years the Waters Green continued to stand out for the quality and variety of the beer served.  On these winter nights the friendly staff and real fire guarantee a warm welcome.