The Campaign for Real Ale is at the centre of a wokery row after it accused a beer brand of being sexist.
The organisation has ruled that it is unhappy with the name and imagery used for an award-winning beer called the ‘Naked Ladies’.
The beer was created to celebrate a famous landmark in Twickenham, south-west London, not far from the national rugby stadium.
It was made by Twickenham Brewery to honour the Naked Ladies, a statue which sits in the gardens of the local borough council.
The Grade II Listed statue, which was carved from white Italian Carrara marble during the late 19th century, depicts eight sea nymphs.
It was created by the Twickenham Brewery to honour the Naked Ladies, a statue which sits in the gardens of the local borough council
The Campaign for Real Ale is at the centre of a wokery row after it accused beer brand ‘Naked Ladies’ of being sexist
However, a decision by the brewery to use the name and a toned down image of the statue, which carefully places some greenery to protect the nymph’s modesty, saw it being accused of sexism.
One drinker – supported by the national executive of CAMRA – objected to the use of the name and imagery on both labels and pump clips seen in bars.
He launched an official complaint stating: ‘As a middle-aged man, the experience of saying the name of the beer to the young woman serving at the bar was awkward and unsettling for all concerned.’
The complaint was raised with The Portman Group, the industry body that promotes responsible alcohol consumption.
Its Independent Complaints Panel (ICP) investigated the allegation that the name, branding and design of the pump clip were ‘inappropriately sexualised and could cause offence and embarrassment for customers and staff’.
The ICP rejected the complaint but this has upset bosses on CAMRA’s national executive who insist the branding was sexist.
National chairman, Nik Antona, said: ‘We are disappointed the ICP did not uphold the complaint from a member of the public.
‘The beer in question was removed from eligibility for inclusion in our Champion Beer of Britain Competition in 2022, following complaints from members of the public.
The beer was created to celebrate a famous landmark in Twickenham, south-west London, not far from the national rugby stadium
The Grade II Listed statue, which was carved from white Italian Carrara marble during the late 19th century, depicts eight sea nymphs
‘Our volunteer committees have upheld that decision, and we are proud to have robust policies and practical guidance for our volunteers on the naming and marketing of beers and ciders, and whether products should be eligible for our highest accolades or on sale at our festivals.’
Naked Ladies was named CAMRA’s London Beer of the Year in 2022 and Twickenham Brewery say it has never had any official notice that this accolade has been removed.
The brewery was reluctant to discuss CAMRA’s rebuke, but it insisted the imagery was entirely innocent and that they had received support from local members of the organisation.
Twickenham councillor James Chard raised the issue on X, formerly Twitter, saying: ‘Disappointed, as a member, with CAMRA’s reaction here. This longstanding brand name is clearly a reference to a local landmark in my area, and the image tastefully reflects it.’
He posted on image of the statue, adding: ‘Here are the actual naked ladies’ statues in Twickenham.
‘The image used by the brewery is a stylised and, to be honest, toned-down version. They are a well-known and rather dramatic landmark, and there is nothing wrong with a brewery celebrating local history.’
