Campaign for Real Ale’s Mid Anglia pub of the Year is the Red Lion in Kenninghall

A Kenninghall landlady has said she is delighted after her pub was named Mid Anglia Campaign for Real Ale’s Pub of the Year 2024.

Mandy Berry, who has been at the Red Lion in East Church Street for 27 years, was given the award by CAMRA branch members.

The 61-year-old, who moved into the village in 1997, said the judges came in February.

She added: “I thought they were just coming in for a drink and then a couple of days later I got a call saying that they had chosen us. I really didn’t expect it.

“They didn’t just judge us on the beer, it was the ambience, the community work we do and all aspects of the pub as a whole, so to come out on top we are absolutely delighted and thrilled.”

The branch, which has almost 100 pubs in the area of North Suffolk and South Norfolk split equally by the River Waveney, said the early 16th century pub was a worthy winner.

David Williams, of Mid Anglia CAMRA, said: “Our branch asked members to nominate their choice of Pub of the Year with two pubs scoring very highly – after visits to the pair and a lot of discussion the Red Lion narrowly, but deservedly, came out on top.”

The pub also helps the community, by doing a lot of events for the Kenninghall Kicking Cancer charity groups as well as raising money and doing raffles for others as well.

Asked why she thought village pubs are so important to their communities, Mandy said: “During Covid, it really proved that communities need a base and focal point where people can come together.

“During that time we were helping people with supplies and takeaways and everyone in the village really mucked in to help one another here too – we are such a close knit village.

“Since the news got out about the award, though the best accolade for me is that my customers are happy and they like the beer, so many people have been complimentary and coming in and congratulating us.

“It really reflects how important a place we have been and are to the village and it also shows what great support we have. They know I could not do this without them, and that I can’t thank them all enough.”