South West Regional Pub and Club of the Year 2026
Following on from being crowned Bristol & District CAMRA branch pub and club of the year for 2026, the Fallen Tree Micropub in Clevedon and the Backwell Village Club have both gone on to win their respective South West regional awards.
CAMRA’s South West region stretches from South Gloucestershire all the way down to Cornwall. It is also the first time that a micropub has won the South West regional pub of the year award.
Award presentations
Presentations for the winners take place as follows:
Backwell Village Club on Saturday 22nd Augustat 4pm.
Fallen Tree Micropub on Thursday 27th August at 7pm.
SW Regional Pub of the Year: Fallen Tree Micropub
Commenting on the pub of the year winner, CAMRA’s South West regional director Peter Bridle said: “In very challenging times for the pub trade, micropubs have grown in numbers, bucking the trend across the industry. They are proving very popular with many drinkers and it’s great to see the Fallen Tree Micropub win this award. Judges were very impressed by the service and welcome at the pub coupled with the great beer and general friendliness of the pub. The beer range is always changing, and the pub also has a good community vibe about it including fundraising for charities. It might be one of the smallest pubs in the whole South-West region, but it punches well above its weight. Very many congratulations to the Fallen Tree Micropub”.
Pete Dommett, co-owner and landlord of the Fallen Tree Micropub, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award. To be crowned by CAMRA as the best pub in the South West region is an unbelievable honour. My love of real ale began when I lived in Topsham near Exeter and was lucky enough to have the famous Bridge Inn as my local! After working for over twenty years as a teacher, I turned my hobby into my profession by becoming a publican.
“As landlord at the Fallen Tree Micropub, I’m passionate about showcasing the very best beers from the best local, independent breweries. We are blessed to have some of the finest producers in the country on our doorstep and, each week, we feature more than ten different beers from many breweries in Bristol, Somerset and the rest of the South West. Cask beer is our USP – there’s nothing better than a super-fresh pint of cask ale straight from the barrel, whether it’s a classic best bitter, hoppy pale or a rich, creamy stout. The team at the Tree pride ourselves on helping customers find the perfect pint and discovering that cask is king!
“Over the six and half years that my wife Kate and I have had the pub, we have built a real community of beer-loving (and lovely!) customers. People come to the Tree for a post-work pint, a chat with friends or for one of our regular events – whether it’s a charity fundraiser, a poetry and music evening or our annual ‘Dave Night’. We’re a proper ‘local’, but we’re not a cliquey pub – absolutely everyone is welcome here. Recently, I’ve noticed an increase in younger drinkers popping in for a proper pint of beer – which is great to see.
“Thank you to CAMRA for this amazing award and a special thanks must also go to both our brilliant staff and wonderful customers – the love they have for the pub makes it a very special place indeed. The Fallen Tree Micropub may be small, but we’ve got a big heart!”.
SW Regional Club of the Year: Backwell Village Club
Backwell Village Club was founded on November 17th 1877 as Backwell Reading Rooms. The Rev. Edward Burbidge, was appointed the first President, and the club was formed with just 40 members. He was succeeded by the Rev. Edmund Caudwell, who coincidentally also held that office for the next 26 years.
In 1967, the club underwent extensive remodelling and the purpose-built structure used to this day was opened by A.E. Robinson Esq. The future looks great with the ongoing support of the club members. The next phase of the club via a 5-year plan will be to extend the function room and garden and offer great facilities to the wider public
The club has always had a link with local charities and those in need of help. In 2025, members of the club raised in excess of £8,000 for MNDA and this important legacy continues.
John Vanderwolfe, CAMRA’s regional clubs coordinator, praised the club for its very warm welcome and noted how the club was dedicated to keeping the real ale in good condition. Club members are able to suggest guest ales. The club is very well run and gets involved with community events in the area. It also hosts an annual beer festival.
Stephen Hughes, club president, said: “We are honoured to have been named CAMRA South West Regional Club of the Year, recognising our commitment to community, service, and excellence in hospitality.”
