Hesket Newmarket's Old Crown Inn toasts 30 years with CAMRA award

The Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket has received a prestigious Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Gold Medal, recognising over 30 years of featuring in the Good Beer Guide.

Pub landlords Simon Robson and Helen Mumberson, who have run the pub for eight years, said they were 'over the moon' to have won the award which came as a complete 'surprise'. 

Gold Medal for the Old Crown Inn, Hesket Newmarket (Image: Social Media)

Pushing them towards the nod is the community-owned Hesket Newmarket Brewery which lies directly behind the pub. The pub has become a 'shop window' for the brewery, showcasing the best of what local, cooperative brewing can achieve.

“The beer has won the award, but if you come in you get the place, it’s the ambiance and the feeling. It’s like walking into someone’s front room – someone will talk to you.

"It’s a special little place and we’re very fortunate to have it," Simon, whose father was a former owner of the pub, said. 

This year also marks the 21st anniversary of the Old Crown’s transition to community ownership, making it the first cooperative-owned pub in England.

It has since paved the way for other communities determined not to lose their locals.

King Charles visits the Old Crown Inn back in 2007 (Image: Archives)

The last 20 years have brought with it many famous faces to its bartop, including King Charles back in 2007 when he was the Prince of Wales, and more recently, Richard Hammond popped in for a pint. 

Reflecting on the last eight years, Simon said: "It's hard work but it is rewarding. 

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"It's a lifestyle choice, all about the community and we have our job to do for the community. 

“We want to thank everyone for their support. This pub wouldn’t be the pub it is without that support," he said. 

The pub will celebrate 21 years of community ownership come September.