A Kent venue has been named the nation’s best social club for the second year in a row.

Marden Village Club continued where it left off last year, impressing judges at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) yet again who felt they were worthy of the repeat accolade.

The club in Albion Road, Marden, near Maidstone, was first nominated for the national award in 2019 being pipped only by The Appleton Thorn Village Hall in Warrington, near Liverpool.

Its grade-II listed building had only just been renovated with work to modernise the club being complete in 2017.

But its regular entertainment and live music events, as well as the amount of fundraising it does for its chosen charities, continued to see it earn plenty of plaudits.

The work paid off a few years later when in 2022 it was crowned the winner of the national award for the first time.

After its victory, KentOnline popped down to see if it could uncover the “secret” behind its success and see what made it a cut above the rest.

This years judges were impressed by the “top notch” beers on offer with six real ales on tap, mostly from local microbreweries, while also referring to the club’s darts and snooker teams adding to the “friendly ambience” and feel of the place.

Reacting to the repeat achievement, Marden Village Club manager Simon Banfield said: “To receive this prestigious award is simply amazing.

“It just highlights the outstanding performance of the whole team at Marden village club, from all the staff and committee team, and the continued support from our excellent members.

“To have been given this award in 2022 and now to have received it again in 2023 is amazing.”

Ian Clennett, Chairman of Maidstone & Mid Kent CAMRA, said: “Congratulations to Simon and the team at Marden Village Club for once again being awarded the CAMRA Club of the Year after last year’s well-deserved success.

“We always look forward to our visits here as a branch as we’re assured of a warm welcome, a great range of top-notch beers at sensible prices, and a memorable time with both club regulars and local CAMRA members.”

CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson added: “This achievement is an incredible feat for the club, to win the award two years on the trot is testament to the hard work of the staff and the dedication of its members.

“Clubs are a vital part of UK culture and deserve to be celebrated each year alongside pubs. It is essential that people continue to visit their local clubs and of course, bring a friend!”

Marden is described by locals as a “thriving” village in the heart of the Kent countryside in an area called the Low Weald – about nine miles south of the county town.

Marden Village club was founded in 1907, initially holding events at the Old School Rooms but after World War One it moved into its current location in 1921.

The building, known previously as The Poplar Tree public house, was bought by a Mr Fuggles who allowed the club to loan the space out, paying him back over time – with the fees finally paid back by 1943.

It was around this time the club became known as Marden Working Men’s Club before dropping the title at the turn of the century and opening up the “spectrum of membership” to shrug off its “old-boys” mentality.

In 1922 a proposal was made to begin selling alcohol but founder and village vicar, Reverend Johnston was strongly against the idea. It wasn’t until 1926 the club had fought its corner and filed for its licence.

In 2007 a special dinner was held for its centenary year where 250 members and guests attended including the Mayor of Maidstone and at midnight the name was officially changed to Marden Village Club.

Clubs are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and most importantly – quality of beer.

CAMRA’s Club of the Year competition is run in conjunction with Club Mirror Magazine with the aim of finding the best clubs with the greatest commitment to quality real ale.

This includes those which offer a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and most importantly, top quality real ale served in great condition.

Running since 1987, the National Club of the Year title is the highest honour CAMRA can bestow upon a club.