The Woodman, Bridport, has been crowned regional cider and perry pub of the year by CAMRA. Picture: Rich Gabe/CAMRA

Traditional Dorset drinking hole crowned cider and perry pub of the year

Paul JonesAugust 18, 20250 Comment0

A TRADITIONAL drinking hole has been crowned regional Cider and Perry Pub of the Year – and the best in Dorset.

The Woodman Inn, in South Street, Bridport, scooped the South Central CAMRA competition gong and the county title after being nominated and judged by an independent panel of members.

As well as other pubs in Dorset, The Woodman was up against venues in Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and the Isle Of Wight.

The regional judges voting it the best for cider and Perry, taking in criteria like cider style selection, staff knowledge, friendliness and welcome alongside the general ambiance of the pub.

From left; CAMRA coordinator Kylie Stroud, chair Bruce Mead, Woodman landlord Darren Moore, head barkeeper Taz and cider rep Alex Bardswell. Picture: Rich Gabe

Landlord, Darren Moore, said he was thrilled to come out on top in the judging.

“I couldn’t believe it, I was over the moon we always want the best for The Woodman and our customers but would never expect to get to this stage again or take anything for granted; I love providing a local range of Dorset cider and Perry but also always look further afield to support all cider producers,” he said, thanking customers and West Dorset CAMRA for their support.

West Dorset CAMRA chair, Bruce Mead, presented the award to Darren and said: “The winning of these two awards is testimony to the Woodman’s continued commitment to cider and Perry. We wish them the best of luck in the national finals.”