For the first time in CamRA Ely history a pub has taken a clean sweep of available awards.
Andy & Jo Pearson, owners of the renamed Drayman’s Son, took over the pub on Forehill last July from the previous owner. Then it was named the Liberty Bell.
They knew a few weeks ago that they had won 3 awards, Cider Pub of the Year, City Pub of the Year and the coveted Overall Pub of the Year but little was Andy to know a special surprise was on the way.
Andy was given a special award reserved for those who have done something in the pub trade differently and for his hard work in learning the industry quickly and for keeping some fantastic beers from local brewers.
Phil Wignall of Ely CamRA was there to present the awards to Andy & Jo, their son James and to Mark Cooney (yes me from Spotted in Ely because I also work there).
Andy was asked to give a short speech in which he thanked all of the customers, Ely CamRA and the local brewers. He went on to say “When Jo showed me an advert for the pub and she wanted to buy it, I nearly had heart attack. I’ve never been in a position where a steady wage wasn’t coming in so when Jo convinced me she was leaving her job to run this place, it was done completely blind and we had to learn quick. It’s been a fantastic decision and I don’t regret a moment of it. Here we are, less than 1 year old and we have the clean sweep! I would also like to give a special congratulations to The Plough in Little Downham for getting Rural Pub of the Year”
Andy and Jo also passed on a special thanks to the micro brewers, Three Blind Mice who made a beer just to celebrate the sweep. P.O.T.Y as it was named stood for Pub of the Year and sales went down very well.
It is also worth a mention that in just 9 months, The Drayman’s Son has raised over £5,000 for organisations including Guide Dogs and Addenbrookes as well as others.
The Award Presentation
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The Gallery
