Congratulations to owners Wells & Co for winning one of CAMRA’s prestigious Pub Design awards, in this case a Best New Build Award for the Brewpoint Taproom pub and bar in the brewery complex just off Clapham Road, Bedford. The secluded garden first opened in August 2020, to be followed by the bar and indoor drinking space after lockdown rules were relaxed in April 2021.

CAMRA’s annual Pub Design Awards, held in conjunction with Historic England, recognise the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs as well as in the construction of new ones. They are judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation. Awards are made in several categories: Best Refurbishment, Best Conversion to Pub Use, Best Community Local Award, the Historic England Award for Conservation, and the Best New Build Award for newly built pubs, which is the category won by Brewpoint Taproom. It is a joint award, shared with the Crown Wharf in Stone, Staffs. An award certificate was presented to the company by the local branch in August (photo below).

If you know the Brewpoint Taproom, you may understand why it has won the award. Even if you are not a great admirer of modern architecture, you must be impressed by the lofty scale of the building, as well as the detailed layout that makes it an attractive place to visit and socialise with friends. If you haven’t yet paid a visit, do give it a try and see whether you too consider it worthy of a prestigious award. The Taproom serves a range of cask and other beers brewed just yards away in the brewery behind. Cask DNA Amber Ale, Origin Golden Ale and Legacy Pale Ale are available on the bar, together with current special brews and a wide range of brewery conditioned keg, bottled and canned beers. Breakfast is available from 8am, bar nibbles from 12 noon to 10pm. A pizza garden menu is available on Thursday evening and Friday to Sunday. The main bar is also the brewery shop and off-sales counter.

Buses to Clapham, Oakley and further north stop outside Sainsbury’s nearby. There is generous free parking on site, with charging points for electric cars. For more information, call 01234 244444, find Brewpoint Taproom on WhatPub.com, or visit the Brewpoint website.