Pint-sized watering hole Hoppy Days lands top ale prize

Hoppy Days, a micropub in Derby Road, received the well-respected George Lee Memorial Trophy award from the CAMRA Central Lancashire branch for 2017/18.

At the award presentation last Thursday night (February 1), Dave Bell, chairman of the Central Lancs branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, praised owner Peace Townsend for the quality and diversity of the real ales she serves at Hoppy Days as well as the events she organises to enhance customers’ connection to the art and craft of brewing.

Noting the “real community feeling” that has already developed at Hoppy Days since opening 16 months ago, Dave said: “Peace and Hoppy Days go to show what can be achieved with not only a passion for real ale, but a dedication to creating an environment that exemplifies the joy of giving back to the community.”

Peace said: “It is humbling to be given this honour. Being recognised for delivering a high standard of real ales and our convivial, respectful and diverse environment makes the many hours of attention devoted to Hoppy Days and our outstanding customers very worthwhile.”

The trophy is the branch’s premier award and is presented annually to the pub, organisation, or person that is considered by branch members to have done the most for real ale locally during the previous calendar year.

The award is named in memory of a popular former landlord of the Moorbrook in Preston where the branch began, with George Lee being the branch’s first Treasurer.

The only other Longridge pub to achieve this success was The Forrests Arms in 1997.