Congratulations go to Darren Moore and his team at the Woodman, South St, Bridport for winning the West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch Cider & Perry Pub of the Year for the third consecutive year running, a credit to the enthusiasm and commitment the pub has for promoting traditional ciders & Perry. Last year the pub made the grand finals but was narrowly piped at the post, this year West Dorset CAMRA members wish to see the pub take top accolade of “National Cider & Perry Pub of the Year 2025”, but there’s a long further judging process to go yet.
On hearing of winning the award and being in the competition again an overjoyed Darren Moore; Woodman landlord said” Cider is possibly the most Dorset drink there is. It’s local, tasty and been made for centuries and we have always had proper cider in the pub since we took it on in 2017. We started out with 4 boxes and now usually we stock around 30 different types”
Darren is very passionate about selling the right type of cider to the customer and his staff are encouraged to give samples to customers who are unsure which cider or Perry to choose from, Darren went on to say “the advent of kegged cider is also a great addition whether it’s from Dorset Nectar, Ross on Wye or Oliver’s, it’s about opening a new market to a new crowd” Darren thanked members of West Dorset CAMRA for their continued support and also acknowledged the cider & Perry producers he has met through his love of cider .
West Dorset CAMRA Pub Promotions & Awards Co-ordinator, Kylie Stroud said “The Woodman was judged the best pub for Cider and Perry in the West Dorset CAMRA region by a significant margin in comparison to the other nominations. Judges were particularly impressed by the range and quality of ciders, the friendly welcome and knowledgeable service provided, and the strong sense of community. We wish Darren and his team the best of luck in the forthcoming new County round of the Cider and Perry Competition.”
