National Pub of the Year

The Baum says cobbles to the opposition

On the 12 October, I wrote that the Baum, a pub in Toad Lane, Rochdale, had won CAMRA's Greater Manchester Pub of the Year 2012. I have learnt that it has now won CAMRA's National Pub of the Year. Although it's not exactly local to me in Southport, it's good to see a North West boozer win the gong. 

As you can easily read what I wrote about it previously, I don't intend to repeat myself, except to point out that this quite an achievement, seeing that the building was an ironmonger's until just over 30 years ago. As I said recently in a different context, it is not easy to create that unique atmosphere that we associate with the word "pub" - it usually has to develop organically over many decades. Well done to the licensees; I hope to visit some day. It has eight handpumps, does a good range of food and has a large beer garden to the rear. It looks good in the picture.

My friend Tandleman has more details on his beer blog. The Baum is at 33-37 Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 0NU. ( 01706 352186.