COMMUNITY spirit and the importance of keeping "a nice pint" have earned the management of a popular Wirral pub an award.

The Cleveland Arms in New Ferry has been named Pub of the Season summer 2022 by Wirral Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA Wirral).

The pub’s management - owner Ann and sister Paula Grimes - were presented with a certificate during a recent ceremony at the venue on Bebington Road.

Wirral Globe:

The Cleveland Arms. Picture: Craig Manning

Ann told the Globe: "It’s amazing recognition. We’ve worked with CAMRA for many years.

"They've always supported us and assisted us in everything that we’ve needed. They've done us proud.

"It’s the first award we’ve ever won; first of many, I hope.

"This award is recognition and is all about the beer and the fact that we keep a nice pint and enjoy serving a nice pint.

"If you’re not serving a good pint, there’s no point in serving it. That’s not just with the real ale, it goes across the board.

"We're a traditional pub. We don’t do the sports, we like to be community-based. We decided long ago to use local breweries and it does us well; they are lovely to work with."

Wirral Globe:

Certificate confirming that The Cleveland Arms has been named Pub of the Season summer 2022 by Wirral Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA Wirral)

Paula added: "It's our regulars that keep us going, a small bunch of very loyal regulars.

"Once we get a new a person in through the door, they get drawn into the community.

"It's definitely brought more new customers through the doors though, knowing that we have the award.

"We love everybody that comes through the door; the more the merrier.

"A big heartfelt thank you to all the regulars and CAMRA."

Ann has owned and managed the pub since 2014, joined by sister Paula in 2014.

She said: "We have grown up in the pub trade. Our great-grandparents ran pubs all over Liverpool. Our grandma, alongside great-grandma, ran The Railway in Rock Ferry, that was Ma Wright’s."

Looking back over a challenging last few years, Ann said: "Not only has it been a struggle to get people in through the door, it’s been mentally and physically exhausting, to the point where some days you just wish there’s a day with nothing to worry about, but that’s the nature of the business".

In a Facebook post, Camra Wirral commented: "Congratulations to Ann and team for overcoming all the challenges the last few years have thrown at you and serving and supporting real ale."