Shakespeare CAMRA

The formal approval for the creation of Shakespeare Branch of CAMRA (then South Warwickshire and Evesham), was given in September 1981. This followed a feasibility meeting in Stratford, where a large number of people turned up to show their support for a new branch. David Capron, Bob Macvie, Andrew Scott and Alan Whitbread were the 'founding fathers' of the new branch of CAMRA covering the South Warwickshire and Evesham areas. The first formal meeting of the new branch took place, without Andrew, on 20th October 1981 at The Bell, Shottery. Minutes of meetings and details of branch events in the early years of the branch can be found on the Branch History page.

'Shakesbeer' issue no.1 was produced as a single sheet quarterly newsletter in December 1998 and continued until 2007. It became a magazine as issue no.33 in Summer 2008. View the Shakesbeer magazines in our downloads area.

The branch started the Pub of the Year awards in 1999.

From Winter 2009 the branch began awarding Pub of the Season to Pubs as recognition of their hard work in promoting and providing quality Real Ale.

The branch celebrated its 40th anniversary on 20th October 2021.

The 1st Stratford-upon-Avon Beer & Cider Festival took place in 2007, the annual event usually taking place in June.