Horbury’s Cricketers Arms wins Wakefield CAMRA award
A Horbury pub has been recognised for its beer selection and welcoming atmosphere after being chosen by local Campaign for Real Ale members.
The Cricketers Arms, known locally as the “Crix”, received Wakefield CAMRA’s 2026 Summer Pub of the Season award at a well-attended ceremony, with manager Jo Waude accepting it on behalf of the pub.
The pub, on Cluntergate, serves up to six cask ales from local and regional breweries, alongside real cider.
It also holds a current Cask Marque Excellent rating, which recognises the quality of its beer and cellar hygiene.
Jo said: “Thank you once again to Wakefield CAMRA. We really appreciate these awards. We are grateful for the votes from our CAMRA members in supporting the pub”.
Scott Nightingale, Wakefield CAMRA’s pubs officer, said: “The Cricketers always has a great selection of beers available for cask ale drinkers. It’s a great village pub that always has a nice friendly vibe”.
Built in 1898 in a traditional red-brick, late Victorian-Edwardian style, the pub has a timber-frame frontage.
It became a Tetley’s house in 1960 before being restored and reopened by its current owners, independent pub group The Beerhouse, in 2010.
The restoration retained features including the oak bar and solid oak floorboards.
The family and dog-friendly pub hosts a weekly quiz and meat raffle, alongside monthly live music and open-mic nights.
Brewery tap takeovers also take place throughout the year, with the next scheduled for November 27 to November 29, featuring Sheffield-based Abbeydale Brewery.
The Pub of the Season is a quarterly award voted for by Wakefield and District CAMRA branch members. Four pubs are shortlisted from members’ nominations before the branch votes for a winner.
It recognise pubs that consistently serve high-quality real ale and provide a welcoming atmosphere for regulars and visitors.
The Cricketers Arms is also one of 21 pubs and clubs in the Wakefield and District branch featured in the 2027 edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
Wakefield CAMRA recently recognised three other pubs for their community work.
The Dam Inn in Newmillerdam, the Mason’s Arms in Ackworth and the Thorn Tree in Ossett received its Community Pub Awards for 2025/26.