The Lodge Inn in Alsager wins South Cheshire and Cheshire CAMRA titles

Alsager has plenty to raise a glass to this autumn. The Lodge Inn at 88 Crewe Road has been named South Cheshire CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2026, its fourth consecutive year as the branch's winner. It then went one better, collecting the title of CAMRA Cheshire Pub of the Year 2026.

The South Cheshire certificate was presented by branch chair Derek. Competition in the branch was strong, with the Dysart Arms in Bunbury and Hops Belgian Bar in Crewe named as runners-up, a fair reflection of the quality of pubs in this corner of the county.

The county title followed in July, when Cheshire Area Coordinator Paul presented the award at the pub. The South Cheshire branch reports that judges from across the county chose The Lodge from around 900 pubs in Cheshire.

The wins carry particular meaning this year. The branch says the past year has been a difficult one for everyone connected with The Lodge following the loss of landlord Carl, and that Sarah has continued to lead the pub. The South Cheshire presentation also supported fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK, a cause now close to the hearts of the Lodge community.

The Lodge has built its reputation on a carefully kept bar. CAMRA's listing describes two permanent real ales and six nationally sourced, constantly changing guest ales, with Draught Bass and Oakham Citra served regularly. There are usually five real ciders from a wide range of producers, along with keg and alcohol-free beers.

It is a pub that keeps things simple. There is no hot food, but pork pies are available throughout the week and cheese and biscuits are provided free of charge on Sundays. The building has a large bar, a lounge and further rooms at the back, including a conservatory that opens up in summer, as well as plenty of outdoor seating.

Its record in CAMRA's competitions was already a strong one. The listing credits it with Cheshire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2024 and South Cheshire Pub of the Year in 2024 and 2025, and this year's double adds to that.

The story is not over yet. With the county title, The Lodge joined the last 42 pubs still in the running for CAMRA's Pub of the Year, with regional judging for Cheshire and Merseyside next. For now, a visit to Crewe Road is the best way to see what the judges enjoyed, and to raise a pint to Carl, Sarah and the team.