Ritika Janiya
A community-run pub in Marple Bridge, Stockport, which at one time faced closure, has now been crowned the best pub in the North West by CAMRA. The triumph is an illustration of a remarkable turnaround for the popular pub with its hardworking staff and strong community behind it.
The Northumberland Arms community-run pub, located in Marple Bridge, Stockport, was once under threat of closure but now takes the crown for the best pub in the North West from CAMRA. It shows a great turnaround for the popular pub with its dedicated staff and robust community behind it.
The Northumberland Arms is a homely pub in the centre of Marple Bridge, Stockport. The house has gone through an incredible journey from nearly closing forever to being crowned one of the finest pubs in the whole United Kingdom. This remarkable turnaround earned the pub the prestigious title of best pub in the North West by the well-respected Campaign for Real Ale.
Back in 2017, things looked pretty bleak for the Northumberland Arms. The pub was in poor shape and on the verge of permanent closure. Instead, the community came together to save the well-loved local spot from disappearing. Residents of Marple Bridge and surrounding areas weren’t about to see their local pub disappear without a fight. They united, started buying shares in it, and turned the venue into a community-run operation. This joint effort did more than just save the pub; it really revived it.
Fast forward to today, and the Northumberland Arms is a thriving, seemingly never-stopping house nurtured by a warm and friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and the truly outstanding range of beers, ciders, and perries on offer. It’s not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a place where people come together, connect, and make memories.
Each year, CAMRA runs its Pub of the Year competition—no doubt one of the most eagerly awaited events in the country by any person keen on raising an appreciative pint to the cream of the UK’s pubs. The competition is keen, with thousands of entries that get judged on atmosphere, service, inclusivity, overall impression, and, of course, the quality of the drinks themselves. Only the very best make it to the top, and this year, the Northumberland Arms stood out as a shining example of what a great pub should be.
The judging process is strict. Each pub is visited several times by members of CAMRA, who mark them scrupulously on the above criteria. It is not about drinks alone; rather, it’s about the whole experience. An inviting atmosphere, friendly and hardworking staff, and an overall vibe that makes you feel right at home—the Northumberland Arms ticked all these boxes and a little more.
That is a pub in the very best of senses, showcasing what community spirit really delivers. The moment the people of Marple Bridge realized they were likely to lose one more favorite hometown venue, then there is no hesitation whatsoever—time, money, and energy have been poured into saving the Northumberland Arms, and their efforts have paid off in spades. Today, it is no longer a place to get a pint but represents what can be achieved when people come together for a noble cause.
This commitment to inclusivity was very much what won the Northumberland Arms its CAMRA competition. The pub is proud to be a place where everybody feels welcome, whoever they are and wherever they’re from. It is exactly this attitude that has forged a strong sense of community within the pub and makes regulars and newcomers alike at ease.
Another huge attraction is its fine range of live beer, real cider, and perry. The Northumberland Arms boasts its broad range of premium drinks to offer to customers, suiting each and everyone’s taste. Whether you are a beer or refreshing cider aficionado, you will be guaranteed to find something here. Add to this the passion and knowledge of the staff for what they are serving, and you will know why every visit to the Northumberland Arms remains etched in your memory.
Beating stiff competition to emerge as the best pub in the North West is a great honor; however it’s also a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence which the Northumberland Arms follows. The staff is friendly and hardworking, ensuring that the atmosphere within the pub is warm to its customers. This attitude towards service delivery reflects in everything, from drinks to the cleanliness of the venue.
To be rated the number one pub in the North West is not an easy fete, especially given the tough competition. This year, thousands entered CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition across the country in an effort to emerge as the best. The list eventually narrowed down to 17 regional winners, showing the cream of the crop in their areas. A winner from Northern Ireland also appeared for the first time, which previously shared a category with Scotland.
From closure to the best pub in the UK, the Northumberland Arms story is truly an inspiration. It’s a story of resilience and community spirit, but most importantly, the might of working together to achieve a common aim. The pub today boldly stands as an illustration of what people doing something together for something they believe in can do.
Well, next time you’re in Marple Bridge, do pop into the Northumberland Arms. Whether you are looking to quench your thirst with a cold pint, have a friendly chat, or find a nice nook to relax and enjoy yourself, this pub offers it all. You never know; you may find yourself coming back again and again at this award-winning little gem of a pub.
