That Beer Place has been crowned the UK’s Cider & Perry Pub of the
Year 2024 by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), following a winning streak that saw the
venue first take the title of West Cheshire’s Cider & Perry Pub of the Year. After this local
win, That Beer Place advanced to the Merseyside & Cheshire regional heat, where they
again came out on top, securing their place in the national finals and ultimately taking
the top honour.

The award highlights That Beer Place’s dedication to
showcasing the diversity and craft of cider, setting it apart as a leader in the industry.
“We’re chuffed to bits to be named CAMRA’s National Cider & Perry Pub of the Year
2024! For the past 3.5 years, we’ve had a passion for being at the forefront of
championing real cider and perry, and it’s great to finally be recognised on a national
level,” said Lisa, co-owner of That Beer Place. “Our goal has always been to make
Chester a destination for cider and perry celebration in the UK. This award only
solidifies that vision.”

While known for its extensive beer selection, That Beer Place has carved out a niche in
the cider world by offering a range that goes beyond the ordinary. With over 120 ciders
and perries from the UK and around the world, That Beer Place’s selection features
everything from light, floral perries to bold, tannic ciders. This modern approach
attracts people who are keen to explore the full spectrum of what cider can be.
“Cider’s reputation has been tarnished for years by industrialised products. It’s often
viewed as something cheap, sugary, and very one-dimensional,” says Dale, co-owner of
That Beer Place. “Yet, it can have the depth, complexity and craftsmanship of wine or
craft beer and we’re passionate about showcasing its full potential and educating our
customers about the true diversity of these incredible drinks.”
This national recognition not only highlights That Beer Place but also shines a spotlight
on Chester as a vibrant hub for quality drinks and experiences. The win is a testament to
the city’s thriving independent scene and its ability to attract people from across the UK.
That Beer Place’s commitment to the local community is evident in its collaborations
with Chester’s restaurants, running events like cider-paired tasting menus and the
monthly Chester Cider Club, which has become a hub for people to explore and learn. The Cider Club is held at 7pm on the second Wednesday of the month at That Beer
Place. Ciders and perries are selected and shared across the group to be discussed and
enjoyed, attendees only pay for the drinks they chose, there are no additional fees.

The team is also developing ‘That Cider School,’ an educational programme aimed at
demystifying cider for both consumers and industry professionals. “At That Beer Place,
education is at the heart of what we do. We’re always learning, always exploring, and we
love bringing our customers along for the ride,”

With plans underway for their first-ever North West Cider Salon in 2025, to be hosted at
Storyhouse, That Beer Place is poised to continue pushing the
boundaries for cider’s reputation and how it is perceived. “If you think this is good, then
just wait… we’re ready to take cider even further and we want everyone on board for the
journey ahead,” adds Dale.