THE owner of a brewing company has been recognised for keeping ale flowing across Tendring when lockdown came into force.

Tendring’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) held its ‘Pub of the Year’ awards and ‘Lockdown Hero’ presentation last week.

The ‘Lockdown Hero’ award went to Paul Mellor of the Harwich Brewing Company who was a trail blazer in switching to providing real ale lovers across Tendring with home deliveries of quality real ales during lockdown.

His vision and immediate action ensured those who were denied a visit to their favourite local were still able to enjoy a quality pint and it was a well used and much appreciated service.

As soon as pubs were able to open again Mr Mellor was ready to support them and help them to get back on their feet, something for which local publicans are very grateful.

Peter Butler, chair of Tendring Camra, said: “Tendring is blessed with so many good pubs which are at the heart of their communities and they have done a great job in keeping going and providing a much needed service to their regulars through these difficult times.

“Paul Mellor has been an invaluable support to them and he richly deserves Tendring Camra’s Lockdown Hero award.”

At the same time Tendring Camra was completing its ‘Pub of the Year’ presentations which had been delayed as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

Members selected the Railway Tavern, in Brightlingsea, as their pub of the year, and the Hanover Inn, in Harwich, scooped second place.

The best cider pub of the year accolade went to The White Hart, in Weeley, The Ship, in Kirby-le-Soken, was the runner up, and The Globe, in Harwich, came in at third place.

“Local Camra members take the Pub of the Year awards very seriously and any pub that receives an award has richly deserved it and has worked very hard to get it,” Mr Butler added.

“We are sorry that some of the presentations have been delayed but we are delighted that all of our award winners have now received the recognition that their fine pubs deserve.

“Tendring Camra is very proud of our local real ale and cider pubs which are still providing a wide range of quality ales and ciders in difficult times.

“Whether it is via one of Paul Mellor’s home deliveries or in the pub itself we should all raise a glass to the fantastic pubs of Tendring.”