THE BEACON SHINES

Janet Parker reports on the successes of the Beacon Hotel, Sedgley (Photos by Stan Stephens)

Dudley & South Staffs branch of CAMRA has recently selected its pub of the year 2009 as the Beacon Hotel, Bilston Street, Sedgley, for the second year running. Judging of the competition is carried out by branch members according to CAMRA national criteria. Beer quality carries the most weight in the judging process; the other elements are atmosphere/style/décor, service/welcome, clientele mix, promotion of CAMRA aims and good value. The presentation was made by the branch chairman Stan Stephens on Monday 16th March. A convivial evening was enjoyed by those present. Stan said “Here we are again congratulating all the staff at the Beacon for continuing to maintain the excellent standards of beer quality and service that led to the achievements of last year. The pub is a worthy second time branch winner and I and Dudley CAMRA members wish you all the best in the following rounds of the competition.” Landlady Sue Powell thanked her staff, the local CAMRA members and all the pub’s customers for their continued support.

Each CAMRA branch’s pub of the year goes forward into the national competition which has 4 further rounds of judging. Last year the Beacon succeeded against 7 other nominations to become the West Midlands County Pub of the Year. This progressed the pub to the Midlands West regional competition which the Beacon also won. At this stage there are only 16 pubs in the country remaining in contention. Unfortunately the Beacon did not succeed at the next (super-regional) round (which reduces the contenders to the last 4). However, the pub’s achievement is to be applauded and reflects the traditional gem that is the Beacon Hotel which has remained true to its origins and where your beer is always served in a handled dimple glass (‘jug’). Sue said “We shall continue to maintain our high standards and hope to go all the way this time”.

The Beacon Hotel is home to the Sarah Hughes brewery whose regular beers are Pale Amber, Surprise and the famous Dark Ruby. In addition, occasional brews from Sarah Hughes plus 2 guest beers from other breweries are served from the small central bar. Here you will receive service with a smile from Sue’s team of staff, although you may have to peek under the hatches to see them.

Sarah Hughes’ Dark Ruby is an impressive 6% ABV in strength with a good balance of fruit and hops, leading to a pleasant, lingering hops and malt finish. It was chosen to participate in CAMRA’s National Winter Ales competition, held in Manchester in January. It won the Old Ales and Strong Milds category and achieved third place in the overall competition. Congratulations to brewer Martyn Powell and the brewery staff on more well-deserved awards. The Dark Ruby brew also received an accolade by being featured in Roger Prost’s book ‘300 Beers To Try Before You Die’.