The Campaign For Real Ale

CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) is an independent, voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights.

The organisation was formed back in March 1971 by four men from the north-west who were disillusioned by the domination of the UK beer market by a handful of companies pushing products of low flavour and overall quality onto the consumer.

 Many brewers during the late 1960s and early 1970s had made the decision to move away from producing traditional, flavoursome beers which continued to ferment in the cask from which they were served.

Such a move was opposed by Michael Hardman, Graham Lee, Jim Makin and Bill Mellor … all of whom thought it was about time British beer drinkers were given better variety and choice at the bar.

Hence, CAMRA was born!   

CAMRA’s stated aims are to:

1-      Protect and improve consumer rights

2-      Promote quality, choice, and value for money

3-      Support the public house as a focus of community life

4-      Campaign for greater appreciation of traditional beers, ciders and perries as part of our national heritage and culture

5-      Seek improvements in all licensed premises and throughout the brewing industry

CAMRA’s campaigns include promoting small brewing and pub businesses, reforming licensing laws, reducing tax on beer and stopping continued consolidation among local British brewers.

CAMRA membership now exceeds 143,000 and spreads across the world.

It has been described as the most successful consumer campaign in Europe.

The Shepherd and Flock regularly appears in the Camra Good Beer Guide.