The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has narrowed down the contenders for its prestigious Pub of the Year Award to a remarkable 17 finalists, each representing the best of their respective regions across the UK. These pubs are celebrated for their exceptional atmosphere, décor, welcoming staff, inclusive environment, and, most importantly, their commitment to serving high-quality real ale, cider, and perry.
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition, enthuses, “These amazing pubs truly are the crème de la crème. I encourage everyone to visit these 17 winners across the nation and regions – they offer top-tier pub experiences with excellent beer, cider, and perry, all served by welcoming and hardworking staff.”
Central Southern England:
The Bell at Shotover, Oxfordshire, is a perennial gem, having previously won the National Pub of the Year title in 1990 and 2019. This historic village pub, in the capable hands of the Hunt/Macaulay family since the 18th century, is the only pub in Berkshire with outstanding national historic importance. Alongside its exceptional beer, The Bell is renowned for its homemade soups, filled rolls, ploughman’s platters, and hot puddings.
East Anglia:
The Blackfriars Tavern in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is a Victorian corner pub nestled in the shadow of the medieval town walls. It showcases East Anglian-produced cask beer and ciders, establishing itself as a must-visit beer destination. Beyond its fantastic selection of beers, the pub also offers artisan loose-leaf teas and a delicious food menu.
East Midlands:
The Horse and Jockey, known locally as ‘The Jockey,’ in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, is a welcoming free house that has been a finalist for the National Pub of the Year title in both 2013 and 2022. It boasts 13 different cask beers and is renowned for being dog-friendly, with water bowls and treats provided. The pub is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, located close to the eastern side of the Erewash Valley trail.
North East:
The Black Bull in Consett, County Durham, is the oldest pub in Consett and one of the oldest in the region. With quality beer brewed on the premises and two roaring fires, the pub promises a great atmosphere and a traditional experience. It even won the North East Regional Pub of the Year crown in 2019 and 2023.
North West:
The Crossways Inn, on the idyllic Somerset Levels, is a 17th-century inn that has quickly gained a reputation for good food and an outstanding choice of beer. It features several bar areas, boasting nine handpumps and an ever-changing range of up to 25 guest cask beers per week, alongside a selection of real ciders and craft beers.
Greater London:
The Enfield Town Micropub, a former shop unit, was Enfield’s first micropub and opened in 2017. Its aim of providing the local community with a place to socialize over drinks, free from TV screens and slot machines, has proven successful. Pubgoers are enticed by traditional pub games like table skittles.
Scotland and Northern Ireland:
The Dog and Duck Inn, a family-run, dog-friendly country pub in the rural village of Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, is located about five miles from Enniskillen. The pub is home to the Glenwinny micro-distillery, producing small-batch rum, brandy, and whiskey using locally sourced ingredients. Pubgoers can sample the range of spirits and even book a personalized tour and tasting experience.
The Tav, a community-focused village pub near Dalgety Bay, Fife, previously won the Regional Scotland and Northern Ireland Pub of the Year award in 2023. Locally known as ‘the Tav,’ the pub has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with cozy coal fires. The traditional bar serves four changing cask beers, and a spacious area at the rear hosts village events.
Wales:
The Ship Inn, situated on the Cresswell River, is a Grade II listed hostelry that transports you back in time. Dating back to the 1880s, the Victorian public bar has changed little over the centuries. The homely farm kitchen interior is of national historical interest and is even accessible by boat from the Milford Haven estuary at high tide. Located just a short drive from Tenby, the pub also lies on a series of interesting walking routes, making it a popular destination for hikers.
The Bailey Head in Oswestry, Shropshire, is a must-visit for beer lovers. Nestled near the Welsh borders in the charming market town of Oswestry, the pub boasts one of the largest beer ranges in Shropshire, having sold over 3,400 different draught beers since opening in March 2016. The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) named the pub the UK’s Best Rural Independent Craft Beer Pub or Bar in 2020 and has been a finalist many times since.
Yorkshire and Humber:
The Bridlington micropub, run by a husband-and-wife duo passionate about beer and cider, is described as “Bridlington’s Real Ale Destination.” It showcases four cask beers, usually from Yorkshire microbreweries, and aims to never sell the same beer twice. It is also a National Cider Pub of the Year finalist in 2023.
