Tool
Real ale pump clip decoder
A quick tier verdict from the pump clip on the bar. Built on the CASK Marque and CAMRA signals that pub-goers actually see, with 2024–2026 price and ABV reference points.
Clip signals reflect CASK Marque and CAMRA published guidance 2024–2026. ABV and price brackets are typical for UK regional pintles.
What this solves
Most visitors can't tell whether the pump-clip in front of them is a CAMRA-recognised cask, a brewery-own clip that might be cask OR keg, or a filtered "smooth" pour that isn't real ale at all. The decoder maps the visible label to a tier verdict and tells you whether to order, ask, or pick something else.
How to read the result
- CASK Marque gold/silver clip — independently audited real ale, served from cask. Most reliable signal on the bar.
- CAMRA green clip — the brewery has been recognised in CAMRA competition judging. Strong real-ale signal but does not always mean current cask.
- Brewery own clip — could be cask or keg; ask the bar staff or check the pump badge for "cask conditioned".
- "Smooth" / "Creamy" / "Bright" — usually filtered, often nitrogenated. Not real ale by CAMRA's definition.
What it doesn't cover
- Independent taste judgement — a strong ABV or famous brewery is no guarantee you'll like the beer.
- Cider, perry or lager pumps (real cider has its own CAMRA scheme).
- LocAle scheme pubs (those serving a local brewery within a radius) — a separate CAMRA scheme.
FAQ
What's the difference between cask and keg?
Cask ale is unpasteurised, naturally conditioned in the cask and served by hand-pull (or gravity). It needs to be drunk fresh — typically within 3 days of being broached. Keg ale is pasteurised and pressurised; it lasts weeks and travels further.
What does a CAMRA pump clip actually mean?
The green CAMRA clip is awarded to breweries that win recognition in CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain and other judged competitions. It signals brewing competence; the clip itself does not certify that the pint on the bar is currently real ale.
Why are some pubs so warm?
Cask ale is best served at 11–13 °C (cellar temperature). Many traditional rooms are kept slightly warmer than that for ambience. If the pub is hot and ask a crew immediately whether the beer is "cellar cool" or "warm".
Is real ale stronger?
Not necessarily. Most session cask ales sit between 3.5% and 4.8% ABV, similar to standard lager. Stronger "premium" or "old ale" casks do exist (8–12%) but these are usually labelled and priced higher.
Sources
- CASK Marque — quality assurance scheme overview 2024–2026.
- CAMRA — Real ale, cask-conditioned beer and judging scheme.
- Office for National Statistics — average UK pub pint price 2024/2025.