The latest edition of the East Kent Drinker is now available online.

The magazine, a collaboration between the four East Kent Branches of CAMRA (Canterbury; Deal, Dover & Sandwich; Swale; and Thanet), aims to showcase the very best beeriness in our area.

East Kent Drinker - Summer 2026

Eddie Gadd the pioneering founder and head brewer of Gadds’ The Ramsgate Brewery, has been named the Brewer of the Year 2026 by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG).

The prestigious accolade was presented to Eddie during the APPBG’s annual beer awards dinner at Westminster on June 17th, an event attended by MPs, peers, and leading figures from across the British drinks sector. The award, decided by a panel including representatives from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), celebrates Eddie’s unwavering commitment to independent cask ale culture, regional heritage, and local agriculture.

Chair of the APPBG and Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, representing the parliamentary judging panel, praised Eddie for his championing of local ingredients, leadership within the beer community, his role as a mentor to up-and-coming brewers, his career-long commitment to standard-setting quality, his vocal advocacy for the independent brewing sector, and his loyalty to his employees.

Commenting on the achievement, Eddie said:

"To be recognized by Parliament and our industry peers is an incredible honour. This award isn’t just for me; it’s a testament to our fantastic team at the brewery and the brilliant Kentish hop growers who make our beer possible. Independent cask ale is a vital part of British culture, and we will keep fighting to keep it thriving."

Congratulating Eddie, Polly Billington MP for East Thanet, said: "This is a brilliant accomplishment for you and the team at Gadds’. I’m so proud of your achievement and the great work at Gadds’ Brewery."

The APPBG Brewer of the Year 2026, Eddie Gadd (centre), with chair of the group Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP for Gower (right), and Rita King, honorary secretary (left).

In their June bulletin, the group shares details of CAMRA’s Heritage Pub Revival Award 2026, open to pubs that are included on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors at either Three, Two or One Star.

There's also news about the Marble Arch, Manchester; Woodman, Birmingham; Station Buffet, Bridlington; Polar Bear, Hull; Rock Bar, Belfast; Lord Nelson, Nottingham; Masons Arms, Kensal Green; Prince Albert, Eastbourne and The Gaskell Arms Hotel, Much Wenlock.

Click here to go to the related webpage.

The latest edition of the East Kent Drinker is now available online.

The magazine, a collaboration between the four East Kent Branches of CAMRA (Canterbury; Deal, Dover & Sandwich; Swale; and Thanet), aims to showcase the very best beeriness in our area.

https://kent.camra.org.uk/magazine

The results of our Thanet Branch Pub of the Year 2025 are now in and we're pleased to announce that the Royston, Broadstairs has successfully retained their title for the third year. A well-deserved result for Andy and Melissa and we are sure they will be delighted with the result. The Royston now enters the Kent Area stage of the competition.

We'd also like to congratulate all the other pubs who were involved in the competition and are pleased to award Silver to the Magnet, Broadstairs and Bronze to the Montefiore Arms, Ramsgate.

These are great pubs and we urge you to support them, and all the pubs across our branch, during these challenging times for the hospitality sector.

Dates of the presentations of the awards will be published shortly.