Haydock Reading Room presented regional CAMRA 'Club of the Year' award

As previously reported by the Star, Haydock Reading Room and The Turks Head have been named CAMRA's Club and Pub of the Year for St Helens, Merseyside, and Cheshire and Merseyside.

In fact, it’s the first time that the CAMRA regional pub and club in the final 17 of the competition have ever hailed from the same constituency – St Helens North.

The Reading Room beat Appleton Thorn in Warrington, which has previously been 4-time Club of the Year national winner – so it’s a massive achievement to beat them this year.

With CAMRA'S 'Pub of the Year' annual competition showcasing the country's best venues that serve real ale, Haydock Reading Room and the Turks Head will now compete in the 'Super Regional' competition with venues from Greater Manchester, Wales, and the West Pennines.

If successful, the venues will progress into the final four pubs and clubs in CAMRA's national competition.

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David Baines MP popped in to present the awards (Image: David Baines MP) Launched in 1884, there has been a recommitment to cask ale since Nigel Arnold took over Haydock Reading Room.

With three real ales on tap, the Church Road club won the CAMRA 'Committed to Cask' award in 2022 and was named St Helens' Club of the year in 2023.

Growing up down the road from the Church Road club, the recently elected MP for St Helens North, David Baines, popped in to present the prestigious Merseyside and Cheshire award.

Haydock Reading Room have won three CAMRA awards in three years (Image: David Baines MP) In a statement on social media, David Baines MP, said: "Great to be at Haydock Reading Room today for the presentation of their St Helens & Districts CAMRA Regional Club of the Year awards

"I grew up just down the road from the club and so I know how much it means to the community.

"And congratulations to staff member Lucy Brennan who won a special award for her outstanding service

"Huge congratulations to Nigel and all the team."

Lucy Brennan won an award for outstanding service at the Reading Room (Image: CAMRA) Nick Bosley, CAMRA Regional Director for Merseyside and Cheshire said: “It is the first time a Merseyside Club has won Club of the Year as it’s always been Cheshire who have made it to the last 16, so many congratulations on this fantastic achievement.

“Also, it is the first time ever, as far as I am aware, that a CAMRA Pub of the Year (Turks Head) and Club of the Year (Haydock Reading Room) have been from the same constituency; so, it’s wonderful to see pubs and clubs in Merseyside, and particularly St Helens & Districts CAMRA branch, leading the chase for this year’s national title. Best of luck to both of them.”

Steward at Haydock Reading Room, Nigel Arnold said: “I was made up last year to make it to Merseyside Club of the Year, but to go one better this year and have the regional title for Merseyside and Cheshire is amazing. I just want to thank all the members who drink here day in, day out and keep us going. To the amazing staff and to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Thank you.”

Darryl and the Turks have won several CAMRA awards over the years (Image: CAMRA) Landlord of the Turks Head, Daryl Arrowsmith, added: “I’m really pleased that people have voted us the best pub in Merseyside and Cheshire again this year. It’s all thanks our customers, staff and everyone who has supported us along the way. We were a whisker away from the National award last year so we’re hoping we can do it this year.”