Bermondsey boozer ‘thrilled’ after its IPA claims silver in champion beer of Britain competition

The founder of a Bermondsey boozer has said he is “thrilled” after the pub’s very own IPA came second in the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB) competition.

The IPA by Anspach & Hobday in Druid Street, claimed the overall silver award in CAMRA’s CBOB at Kelham Hall Beer and Cider Festival on October 23, in Newark, following a hard-fought final round of judging. 

Judging for the competition takes two years to complete, starting with individual nominations from CAMRA members and tasting panel nominations, then regional competitions. Each round of judging uses a strict blind tasting policy.

Judges described Anspach & Hobday’s IPA as a “wonderful fruity new world IPA” with “aromas of citrus and tropical perfectly balanced by the bitterness leading to a dry, spicy finish”. 

Executive chairman and co-founder Jack Hobday said: “We’re thrilled The IPA has won Silver in the Champion Beer of Britain. 

“To bring home the best result from a London brewery since Fullers won silver with their ESB back in 1991 is a huge achievement and one we will properly celebrate! 

“We want to extend a huge thanks to our stockists across the country without whom, and the care they give our casks, we could never win such an award. Please just bear with us if supply is a little tight – we will be brewing more!”

The Bermondsey pub was pipped at the post by Crouch Vale Brewery in Chelmsford whose Amarillo beer took gold, whilst Suffolk based Green Jack Brewery came in a close third with its Trawlerboys Best Bitter.

Laura Emson, CAMRA’s awards director, said: “After many years of CAMRA holding this competition, The Champion Beer of Britain final is still one of the most exciting days for us as well as for all the brewers involved. Only two points separated first and second place.

“Anspach & Hobday should be incredibly proud of this accolade, and I hope that beer lovers across the UK will seek out and try the winning beers out for themselves.” 

Pictured top: Anspach & Hobday in Druid Street, Bermondsey (Picture: Anspach & Hobday)