A brewery is celebrating after one of its beers was crowned the winner of a prestigious award.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) named Essex-based Crouch Vale Brewery’s Amarillo the Champion Beer of Britain.

Colin Bocking, 69, started the brewery in South Woodham Ferrers in 1981 and said winning was “good news – it’s always a lovely surprise when this sort of thing happens, it felt great”.

The long-standing Camra awards are given to recognise the best pubs, clubs, beer and cider in the UK.

Mr Bocking mentioned that he was around 26 years old when he embarked on his business journey, which he has been running alongside his wife, Fiona, for 43 years.

He reflected, “It was a complete career change for me.”

Prior to this, he worked in the civil service, managing pensions and benefits. “I felt there had to be more to life, and that’s when I transitioned into this venture.”

Recently, the couple was honored as winners at an awards ceremony held in Nottinghamshire on Wednesday.

The event featured a variety of beers from numerous breweries nationwide, culminating in the selection of the winners.

One brewery’s beer triumphed in the Premium Ale category before claiming the prestigious title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 2024.

This marked the third time the brewery has secured a Camra award, having previously won in both 2005 and 2006.

“With thousands of beers available, many of which are excellent, the chances of winning an accolade like this are rather slim due to the intense competition,” Mr. Bocking remarked.

“So to win it is a lovely surprise, because the odds are always against it.”

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