AN HISTORIC Devon pub is the proud inaugural winner of a new national competition.
The Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton has been announced this week by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as the winner of its first Heritage Award.
This new award is open to all pubs on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors and it recognises and celebrates the achievements of a heritage pub that has been revitalised in some way.
Situated in front of the parish church in a picturesque Dartmoor village square, the 17th century inn has remained unchanged for 100 years. When the Grade II listed pub closed in 2022, it was feared that the Drewe Arms would be lost forever.
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However, the Drewsteignton Community Society formed and village locals came together to launch a fundraising campaign to re-open the pub under community ownership.
The Drewe Arms (The Drewe Arms)
The campaign was a huge success, raising over £550,000 in just six weeks with over 600 shareholders – the most ever raised for a community pub on the Crowdfunder platform.
On 16 March 2024, the Drewe Arms opened its doors once again to the local community.
Pub Saving Award Coordinator Paul Ainsworth said: “When a pub closes, it is incredibly hard for it to open the doors again, with many losing the battle to conversion or demolition.
“That is why these awards are so important, the hard work and dedication shown by these campaigns to save local pubs deserve recognition. They are all inspirational stories, that will hopefully encourage more pub saving campaigns, so future generations can enjoy the wonderful sense of community that only a pub can provide.
“Last year marked the one-year anniversary of the wanton destruction of the Crooked House pub in Himley, serving as a grim reminder that pubs in the wrong hands can sadly disappear. January is a tough time for pubs, so please make sure to support your local and seek out beautiful heritage pubs across the UK.”
One of the oldest pubs in Devon, the Drewe Arms boasts an interior of outstanding national historic importance, being one of the few pubs left in the UK without a conventional bar, instead local beers are served straight from the cask, from stillage to hatch.
The Snug at the Drewe Arms (Drewe Arms)
The runner-up in the Heritage Award was Kings Head in Bristol, which was restored by Good Chemistry Brewery. Shut since the Covid pandemic, the mid-17th century building has been restored it to its former glory by the brewery in east Bristol, displaying real care and attention to detail in an extensive but sympathetic refurbishment. It is now reenergised and a recognised cask beer haven.
The Grade II listed pub boasts some of the oldest bar fittings in the whole of the UK, and a unique snug shaped like a tramcar, making the interior of outstanding national historic importance.
Both pubs will be presented with the award at forthcoming events organised by the respective local CAMRA branches.