Wakefield pub Fernandes named best in the district by CAMRA
A Wakefield city centre tavern has been named pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Wakefield and district branch of CAMRA named Luis Bar at Fernandes Brewery, on Avison Yard just off Kirkgate, its 2025 pub of the year.
Licensee Liz Hughes said: “It’s fantastic. I'm so proud how well my staff run the pub, how well my husband brews the beers, and our amazing customers.
"I never really thought it would happen. I'm really appreciative of the hard work everyone who works here has put in, and all the people who come in for a drink.”
A shortlist of four pubs is drawn up from those with the most number of nominations.
The other three pubs short listed from several others nominated were the Bradley Arms in North Featherstone, the Cricketeers Arms in Horbury and Harry’s Bar off Westgate in Wakefield.
All members are then are eligible to vote on the four. short listed pubs.
David Oates, from Wakefield CAMRA, said: “Congratulations to Liz and Howard Hughes, the licensees at Luis Bar.
"We all in CAMRA look forward to celebrating your success with you and your customers at the presentation.
The organisation’s pubs officer Scott Nightingale said this year’s voting was “a very close race”.
Meanwhile Wakefield Labour Club, better known as the Red Shed, has won club of the year again.
Mr Oates said: “Congratulations to Linda Bratley, secretary, the committee and all the bar staff.
“The Wakefield branch of CAMRA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
"The presentation date is yet to be decided, but is likely to be either at the East/West Charity Beer Festival, May 14 to May 17, or the club’s 60th and Wakefield CAMRA’s 50th anniversary weekend August 7, which are both at the Red Shed.”
Two further set of awards awards will also be decided in April – the annual community pub and club awards and the Tetley Dave Award.
The latter is a recognition for a special, sustained contribution over many years to the promotion of cask ale.
CAMRA nationally was formed back in 1971 when traditional cask ales, usually poured through hand pumps, were at risk of being wiped out.
The Wakefield branch was established five years later in 1976.