Rumburgh Buck presented with fourth CAMRA award


Stella and Tyrone Cattermole, managers of The Rumburgh Buck near Halesworth, Suffolk, were presented with a fourth ‘outstanding pub’ award on Saturday April 20th.

Mike Davey, Chair of NE Suffolk CAMRA presents award to Stella & Tyrone Cattermole
Mike Davey, Chair of NE Suffolk CAMRA presents award to Stella & Tyrone Cattermole

The pub, which hit national news following a visit by global superstar Ed Sheeran last November, has been voted 2024 Overall Pub of The Year by members of North East Suffolk CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) having won two CAMRA awards in 2023 and another in 2022.

Mrs Cattermole took on the pub in 2019, just 6 months before Covid hit and all pubs were forced to close, while her husband continued to work as a butcher at Cleveleys, a local food business, helping in the pub at the weekends. He now works full time as the pub’s cook.

The Rumburgh Buck is the first pub that the couple have managed. “It’s really exciting, to be recognised four times” said Mrs Cattermole, who had a career in Marketing before taking on the pub, in 2019, adding “It’s a big achievement for us.”

Local customers Stuart & Joanne Cullen, owners of nearby Oasis Barn Holidays, enjoy meeting friends and neighbours at the pub.

“It’s so friendly and welcoming” said Mrs Cullen, “I feel safe going there on my own.”

“Very good beer” added Mr Cullen, “I love the live folk bands.”

A focus on the customer, getting the basics right and “very, very good staff” is behind their success, according to Mr Cattermole. "We listen to what the customers are asking for and deliver what they want."

"We do a lot of gluten-free products now" added Mrs Cattermole. There is often a gluten-free real ale on tap and their popular fish & chips can be had with gluten-free batter.

Mrs Cattermole, who has a passion for real ales, said "I could talk to you about them all day

"They've evolved a lot over the years. We're always on the lookout for something new: an interesting, good quality beer that we can serve."

"And reasonably priced." added Mr Cattermole.

Managing costs is their biggest challenge.

“We try to keep our prices as low as we can.” said Mr Cattermole.

"Every day we open a letter and something has increased in price." added Mrs Cattermole.

Regular events are held, to keep customers coming back. The couple work hard at keeping the momentum going, despite the effort involved. Their booked-out Burns Night event was an idea inspired by customers wanting to celebrate something in January, when things are generally quiet.

"It's been a huge success", said Mrs Cattermole.

Chris Luck from North East Suffolk CAMRA said: “It’s a very welcoming, well-run pub with a loyal group of customers.”

© Jez Donaldson April 2024




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