News
- Kingdom of Fife CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2025!
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Situated in the heart of the town centre, close to the main retail area, this historic 19th-century listed building is full of charm and character. Formerly a hotel, it retains stunning high ceilings and decorative wooden cornices, reflecting its rich heritage. A spiral staircase leads down to the lower levels, adding to its unique atmosphere.
Popular with an eclectic mix of customers, the pub is a lively hub that gets particularly busy on match days. It takes great pride in the quality of its home-cooked food, ensuring a warm welcome alongside its impressive cider selection.
No stranger to recognition, the pub previously won other awards over the years. Now, it has earned the title of Cider Pub of the Year 2025, celebrating its dedication to serving quality cider in a welcoming and historic setting.
- Kingdom of Fife CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025!
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Located in Kirkcaldy’s historic Merchants’ Quarter, this charming High Street pub blends tradition with a welcoming atmosphere. Its cozy interior, complete with vintage patterned tiles and comfortable seating, creates the perfect setting for locals and visitors alike.
Betty Nicol’s takes pride in offering three well-kept real ales, often sourced from Fyne Ales, alongside a bistro menu featuring delicious pub fare. A carefully curated selection of bottled beers, wines, and spirits ensures there’s something for everyone.
More than just a pub, Betty Nicol’s has become a hub of community life, hosting regular quiz nights and events that bring people together. As Andy, who took over the pub in 2023, puts it: "We’ve not just taken on the pub—we’ve built a community."
Affectionately known as The TAV, this community-focused village pub near Dalgety Bay has long been a favourite among real ale lovers. With cosy log fires, a welcoming beer garden, and a rotating selection of well-kept real ales, it offers the perfect setting for a relaxed pint in friendly surroundings.
The pub features a traditional bar and a spacious area at the rear, making it ideal for groups and functions. It’s also a hit with four-legged friends, thanks to its dedicated Dog Bar, offering complimentary water and treats for well-managed canines.
Regular live music nights and twice-monthly quiz nights add to the lively atmosphere, ensuring there’s always something happening at The TAV. Its reputation for quality and hospitality has earned it multiple accolades, including Regional Pub of the Year 2023 and Local Pub of the Year 2024.
- Fife CAMRA and St Andrews University Beer Society: Building Bridges Over Pints
Tuesday 11 February 2025
Fife CAMRA recently teamed up with the St Andrews University Beer Society for a fantastic afternoon of conversation, connections, and, of course, great beer. The event brought together students and CAMRA members, highlighting shared interests that went beyond brewing and beer appreciation.
Many students discovered they had a lot in common with CAMRA members, whether it was a love of dogs, an interest in history, or simply a passion for good pubs. One student, who is studying railway station architecture, found himself deep in discussion with members about historic stations and their links to the pub trade. Another, an economics student, explored the fascinating world of beer economics, gaining insight into how the industry shapes and is shaped by financial trends.
Beyond the beer talk, the gathering served as a reminder of the role pubs play in fostering intergenerational connections. For students, spending time with older pubgoers was a refreshing change, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions and social fabric of their adopted home. It reinforced the idea that pubs are more than just places to drink, they are community hubs that bring people together.
This collaboration was a great success, strengthening ties between CAMRA and the next generation of beer enthusiasts. With shared interests and a welcoming atmosphere, it's clear that beer has a unique way of bridging generations and building friendships.
- Champion Beer of Scotland 2024 – Results and Presentation
Thursday 10 October 2024
The results of CAMRA's Champion Beer of Scotland 2024 competition, decided by blind judging at the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival in Troon on Friday 4th October, are in!
Gold: Cairngorm Black Gold Silver: Five Kingdoms Dark Storm Bronze: Cromarty Red Rocker
Other shortlisted beers included Broughton Old Jock, Cromarty Brewed Awakening, Cromarty Raptor IPA, Five Kingdoms McGregor's Mild, Kelburn Red Smiddy, Loch Lomond Southern Summit, Swannay Orkney IPA, and Stewart 80/-.
A big congratulations to Cairngorm Brewery for their fantastic win!
The official award presentation will take place at the brewery on Friday 22nd November at approximately 1:30 pm.
Cheers to Cairngorm and all the finalists for an excellent competition!
- Special Awards
Thursday 10 October 2024
Over the summer, the branch presented three special awards to publicans who have made an outstanding contribution to real ale in Fife.
The first award recognised the outstanding efforts of Andy McGonigal and Hannah Murphy in preserving Betty Nicols, expanding the beer range, and serving up some seriously great brews!
The second award honoured the exceptional contributions of Robbie Hunter, who tirelessly served outstanding beers at The Albert Tavern and championed real ales over the years! While it's bittersweet that Robbie wasn't able to receive the award in person before his passing, he knew of the accolade.
The final special award recognised Willie Cunningham for his remarkable dedication to real ale. His passion for quality, craftsmanship, and supporting local breweries has built a community around tradition and a great pint. Congratulations to Willie and The Crown Tavern Kinghorn on this well-deserved recognition!
Here’s to many more years of fantastic real ale and community spirit.