The 2025 edition of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide was published on September 26 and eight pubs in the East Hants CAMRA branch area are included.
There are two new entries for this edition. Cassidy's in Alton High Street only opened in February 2023 but under the direction of owners Luke and Becca Cassidy has been the Prestige Awards Wine Bar of the Year twice and was Micro Pub of the Year in Corporate Vision's Global Business Awards 2024.
It is a popular venue for the local community, with its live music, craft events and a Puppy Club. As well as three well-kept real ales there are a number of craft keg offerings, including from local breweries, and an expanding range of real ciders, again often local.
The Triple fff brewery in Four Marks is no stranger to awards, and following an overhaul of the cellar its on-site tap room Offf the Rails makes a welcome return to the guide.
Founder Graham Trott received two certificates for the brewery's excellent mild ale, PressedRat and Warthog, which won silver at the Gosport Winterfest XXX in March and bronze in the London and South-East Region heats for Champion Beer of Britain.
Other East Hants entries are the branch Pub of theYear for the second year running, the Eight Bells, Alton neighbours the Railway Arms and the Ten Tun Tap House, the Star Inn in Bentley, the Prince of Wales in Hammer Vale and the Selborne Arms in Selborne.