These awards are naturally for the seasons of Spring (decided in March, published in April), Summer (June), Autumn (October) & Winter (December).  

Finally, we select the overall 'Pub of the Year' branch winners for Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire from the Good Beer Guide branch entries.

(We try not to forget that, whilst our awards are made to pubs, it's the hardworking licensees & their staff who have earned 'em.)

A shortlist of (usually at least 4) pubs is drawn up at the following 2 branch meetings after the presentation.  

In the past, voting has then taken place at the following Branch Meeting, at which all CAMRA members are welcome (and encouraged) to vote - the winner is then declared and a certificate is presented at the next Pub of the Season Branch Meeting.

That's how we do it - why is another matter. As with any democracy why people vote the way they do or choose not to bother is a source of much speculation. However, here are some good reasons for our collective choice:

• Consistently good Real Ale - the most important single factor
• Atmosphere - whether it's a rural gem or a back street boozer
• Service & Welcome - friendly? Given full measure or top-up without asking?
• Clientele Mix - good cross section of people & ages, an inclusive pub
• Support for CAMRA's aims - lined glasses, Mild, Real Cider etc.
• Good Value - in the widest sense.

To win an award, a pub doesn't necessarily have to offer a large selection of ales from microbreweries (though it helps) - sometimes we might recognise the pub with the solitary hand pump, dispensing quality beer in a real ale desert. And we don't take into account the food on offer (if any). Any 'Pub of the Season' is a potential 'Pub of the Year', which helps concentrate our minds!

We want as many people as possible to get involved (there are over 400 fellow beer fans in our patch). You can nominate here your Pub of the Season for Summer 2010. These are YOUR awards - a way of saying 'Cheers' to the area's favorite pubs & pub folk.

The awards which we have given in the last couple of years are on our Pub of the Season winners page click here to see them.

To help you rate the beer which you have tried in pubs in England whilst traveling, CAMRA have designed the National Beer Scoring Scheme, for more information.  You can now complete Beer Rating for Pubs in the Branch Area online.