Beard Liberation Front
19th January
Contact BLF Organiser Keith Flett @kmflett
Cardiff Bar ranked amongst most Beard Friendly of 2024
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that a Cardiff craft beer bar, Pop’n’Hops on Whitchurch Rd has been voted amongst the beard friendly in the UK in the annual poll to find the most beard friendly pub or bar
Crewe Brew Pub, Tom’s Tap was voted Beard Friendly Pub of the Year but Pop’n’Hops which has only been open in its present format for a couple of years came a good third, shaving Hackney favourite the Cock Tavern.
The final vote for the Beard Friendly Pub of the Year saw over 500 votes and competition bristled.
Tom’s Tap shaved the 2023 winner the Shirker’s Rest in New Cross, South London. Newcomer Cardiff based Pop’n’Hops was third while previous winner the Cock Tavern in Hackney came fourth this year
For 2024 the BLF looked to a new focus on beard friendly pubs with a strong community presence.
BLF Inspectors drew up a shortlist comprised of pubs which are independently owned, inclusive of the communities in which they are located, have a welcoming presence and sell good beer, broadly defined.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, its tough times for hospitality particularly in January and tough times for pub goers too as the cost of living crisis continues. The Beard Friendly Pub of the Year vote aims to encourage people to stop by their local and engage in some hirsute socialising.
Pop’n’Hops isn’t a big place but it always has a carefully curated beer list and a good mix of customers including some with beards of course. The owner makes sure it has a welcoming and friendly vibe and in times like these that deserves recognition
After two preliminary rounds of voting the top two in each round went to a final vote.
Tom’s Tap & Brew and the Cock Tavern E8 won the first round and featured in the final together with the winners of round two, the Shirkers Rest and PopnHops
Final Shortlist
Cock Tavern, Hackney
Pop’n’Hops, Cardiff
Shirkers Rest, New Cross
Tom’s Tap, Crewe
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