West Berkshire CAMRA Best Community Pub 2009.

Winners - The Ibex Inn, Chaddleworth.

The West Berkshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has chosen the Ibex Inn at Chaddleworth for its Best Community Pub award. The competition, which invited nominations from pub-goers and publicans in the West Berkshire area, is in its second year having been won previously by the Fox and Hounds, Donnington, in 2008. The presentation of the 2009 award forms the highlight of Local Pubs week which runs from 15-21 February in West Berkshire.

Nominations for the award were encouraged by publicity in: ‘Ullage’ (the bimonthly newsletter of West Berkshire CAMRA), the Newbury Weekly News and a quarterly mailing to local CAMRA members. There was stiff competition for the prize with nominations for other local pubs including: the Castle, Cold Ash; the Lion, Newbury; the Rising Sun, Stockcross; the White Hart, Hamstead Marshall and the Fox and Hounds, Donnington. In addition, there was strong support for three pubs that lie just outside the border of the West Berkshire CAMRA branch. From Wiltshire, the Wheatsheaf, Chilton Foliat received many nominations. From North Hampshire, the Royal Oak, Ecchinswell and the Furze Bush, Ball Hill were also strongly supported. The relevant neighbouring CAMRA branches will be advised of the support these pubs received, meaning that these nominations will not have been wasted.

West Berkshire CAMRA Chairman Adrian Bean presents Julie and Andy, licensees of the Ibex with their winning certificate.
 

In choosing the Ibex as a worthy winner of the Best Community Pub award, West Berkshire CAMRA was impressed that it formed an important community hub. Multiple activities incorporated within the grade II listed pub building that was formerly a bakery. Orders and collections can be made at the pub for dry cleaning, shoe repairs, floral bouquets and prescriptions. Take away fish and chips are available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Household items supplied by the pub include free range eggs, home baked bread, light bulbs, stationery and greeting cards. The pub has housed the local Post Office since November 2006 and also offers a meeting room with wireless internet. Special activities organised by the Ibex have included Quiz nights, Christmas markets and Barn dances. Cancer research and the Air Ambulance are amongst the supported charities. Four darts teams are based at the pub with matches on Mondays and Thursdays.

The Ibex, Chaddleworth is a family affair as well as a community asset. Andy and Julia Jones have five children ranging in age from ten months to twelve years. They warmly welcome all their customers who are able to enjoy good beer in the two bars and food in the conservatory dining area or restaurant area. Two real ales are served, Greene King IPA and a guest ale.

Our local newspaper, The Newbury Weekly News covered the story on their on-line video bulletin for the 18th of Feb - The link can be found here.