Fancy a pint? Dorset’s spoiled for choice claims Good Beer Guide 2023

Having checked out over 4,500 pubs, The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has named 66 Dorset pubs among the best in Britain for a good pint – that’s 16 more than last year.

CAMRA has been assessing the quality of our real ales since 1971, when it was founded by four real ale enthusiasts, and this year marks the 50th edition of its beer bible, the Good Beer Guide.

It seems that from Bridport to Wimborne and Sherborne to Christchurch, a great pint can be found across Dorset. Six of the pubs – The Acorn, All Hail Ale, The Firkin Shed, The Goat and Tricycle, The Micro Moose and The Silverback Alehouse - are in Bournemouth and five – The Barking Cat Alehouse, Bermuda Triangle, Brewhouse and Kitchen, Butcher’s Dog and Poole Arms - are Poole-based.

CAMRA campaigns tirelessly to support the pub industry and breweries; the 2023 Guide encourages readers to support their locals after a tricky couple of years for the industry following the pandemic and its effect on the hospitality industry.

“For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK’s breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country,” said CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona.

“The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.

“Whilst we experienced a boom in the brewing industry over recent years, it’s clear that the effects of COVID-19 and subsequent cost of living and cost of goods crisis has been keenly felt. I’d encourage everyone to use this Guide to seek out the very best examples of pub excellence and support these locals by visiting them.”

So, what makes a good real ale? According to CAMRA, like any artisan product, real ale requires special handling and storage to ensure it’s at its best. When served at the right temperature, the ale should be naturally carbonated and flavourful.

CAMRA is always looking for new members, so if you want to know more – or to volunteer for beer-tasting! – visit www.camra.org.uk

By Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter

Photo by Fábio Alves on Unsplash