Aylesbury Vale & Wycombe

Welcome to our website

News


  • Branch Chair Earns Beer Sommelier Accreditation Thursday 29 October 2026

    Our Chair Mike Clarke has passed a Guild of Beer Sommeliers exam and earned the prestigious title of Beer Sommelier, joining a community of more than 200 existing sommeliers.

    Mike, who is also an award-winning beer writer, successfully completed a rigorous examination assessing his beer expertise.

    The Beer Sommelier accreditation recognises advanced expertise in beer styles, brewing processes, sensory evaluation, food pairings, and beer service.

    Candidates must accurately describe 16 beer styles, identify faults and recommend appropriate food matches for the beers. These tasks also demonstrate their communication skills. Reflecting on his preparation, Mike said, “As an active CAMRA member I was pleased that some traditional English styles were part of my assessment. However, CAMRA has always celebrated the amazing diversity of authentic beer styles produced worldwide, which I’ve enjoyed learning about and tasting as part of my preparation.”

    “Achieving Beer Sommelier certification requires both passion and discipline,” said Alex Barlow, Chief Examiner for the Guild of Beer Sommeliers. “I congratulate Mike on his accomplishment and look forward to the expertise and value he will bring to the beer community. Passing the examination reflects a significant commitment to professional development and excellence in beer appreciation.”

    To reach the assessment stage, aspiring Beer Sommeliers must first pass several training courses: the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 2 Award in Beer, and the Guild of Beer Sommeliers Understanding Off Flavours, Beer and Food Pairing and Cellar Management courses.

    The Guild of Beer Sommeliers was set up by an advisory group of industry experts and is supported by the British Beer and Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale, Wines and Spirits Education Trust, the Society of Independent Brewers and the British Guild of Beer Writers.

    Mike is pictured below with Alex.

  • GBG Launch Thursday 1 October 2026

    We have been celebrating the publication of the new edition of the Good Beer Guide for 2027, the guide to the pubs serving the best cask ale across the country.

    On publication day, Thursday 24th September, branch members celebrated at the Hop Pole Inn , Aylesbury. This year the pub marks an incredible twenty-one consecutive years in the guide, making it one of the longest-standing entries in the local area.

    The pub, on Bicester Road, is described in the guide as a "temple of beer", regularly featuring nine cask ales in excellent condition. It also serves a well-chosen range of lagers and bottled beers.

    Mike Clarke, Branch Chair said: "The Hop Pole is a superb example of a pub that serves its community, offering a regular programme of events such as live music, quizzes and ukulele nights. The pub demonstrates the benefits that excellently run pubs can bring to a local area." The pub also stages regular beer festivals, including its own Oktoberfest at the end of September.

    On Wednesday 30th September, we visited a pub that is new to the guide this year – the Seven Stars at Dinton. This popular 17th-century Grade II-listed pub is owned by the local community.

    Mike Clarke said, “The Seven Stars is a great local asset, and its ownership by the village will safeguard its future for real ale drinkers and for many other community uses.”

    Stephanie Guiraute, licensee of the Seven Stars, said, “I am delighted the pub is featured in the new guide. It’s great to be recognised for my cask ales. I really enjoy my English bitters.” The pub is situated in the centre of the village, is popular with cyclists and can be reached by public transport via a short walk from the Aylesbury-Thame main road.

    The new edition features thirty pubs from across the Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe branch area, including perennial favourites alongside several new entries. The Good Beer Guide 2027 can be ordered online from CAMRA or found in all good bookshops.

    GBG 2027 Launch Bucks Free Press

    GBG 2027 Launch Bucks Herald

  • East Central Region PoTY Friday 31 July 2026

    Our regional Pub of the Year has been announced as the Malt Shovel Tavern, Northampton. The Buckinghamshire Pub of the Year is the Bell & Bear , Emberton.

Events