An independent pub in Tilehurst has been recognised for having some of the best beer in the country by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

Dave and Jason took over the Victoria in August 2016 and have heavily invested their time and money to make it the success that is today.

During the pandemic the pair gave everything they had to renovate and upgrade the pub, utilising the time in which they were closed to fully redecorate and upgrade the furniture.

After being acknowledged in CAMRAs beer guide, the pair are ecstatic. They also shared with this reporter some of their past achievements to date.

Dave said "In 2022 we won the Chronicles Pub of the year, and in August 2023 we re-opened the Foresters Arms on Brunswick Street following extensive refurbishment, the pub had been closed for around 10 months.

"A few weeks ago we received the fantastic news from the local CAMRA branch that both of our pubs were to be included in this year's Good Beer Guide - A nationwide publication which is the bible for true beer lovers."

CAMRA's publication is the only guide of its kind in which the pubs included have been voted for by local beer enthusiasts, and it's an incredible achievement to be included.

Dave continued "We are so proud of this achievement, now the hard work starts to get those beer lovers to vote to keep us in for the next edition.

"We are opening our third Reading pub in the next few months - but that is a closely guarded secret ...for now."

The Guide, which lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nations’ pubs and is on sale now.

The full list according to CAMRA's guide includes pubs across the whole of Berkshire. You can purchase the guide through this link: https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/

These include the Recreational Society in Aldermaston, the Victoria Arms in Binfield, Cannie Man in Bracknell, the Newtown Pippin, Beech Hill's Elm Tree, Caversham's Clifton Arms, and the George Inn in Eton. 

The foreword of The Good Beer Guide 2025 has been written by multi-award-winning Iain Macleod, ITV’s Executive Producer for Continuing Drama.

Through dedication and staunch work from licensees and pub lovers in the face of a difficult economic year, the Guide boasts over 900 pubs that are new to this edition.

This information is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time every year to promote the best of the best across the UK.