The Plough pub at Caldecott wins Rutland Camra award

A pub has received an award recognising its choice of beers and friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Gene and Debbie Power, landlords at The Plough at Caldecott, were presented with a Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) ‘Pub of the Season’ award recognising the important role it plays in the community.

They have run the pub for 25 years, bringing up two children there. And while they admit the business has had ‘ups and downs’ - and was tricky during covid - they have been “really lucky to have good local customers”.

The couple said the award, from the Rutland branch of Camra, came as a surprise.

“We’re over the moon and it’s lovely to be recognised,” said Debbie. “We really enjoy running the pub. It becomes a way of life and it no longer feels like work.

“We have made good friends over the years and got to know people and their families. It’s a lovely community in a lovely part of the world.”

Among their regulars are clubs and community groups that come into the pub to socialise. These include badminton players, cricketers, and anglers who fish at nearby Eyebrook Reservoir.

Caldecott is also home to some bed and breakfasts, meaning the pub benefits from people visiting from further afield too.

The pub always has a choice of local beers on tap and local produce on the menu.

The award was presented by Homera Wood, vice chairperson of Rutland Camra, accompanied by awards judges Steve Crook and Mike Long.

Steve said: “We look for quality beer, a good welcome when you walk in, and the right atmosphere - which for me personally means not having a jukebox!”

Camra’s findings are shared at whatpub.com