CAMRA reveals Britain's top 16 pubs

CAMRA reveals regional winners as finalists for Pub of the Year, highlighting heritage and community amid ongoing pressures on pubs.

CAMRA names Britain's top 16 pubs

The Campaign for Real Ale has announced the 16 regional pubs that will compete for the national Pub of the Year title. Venues span from Bodmin in Cornwall to Rhos yr Hafod Inn in Wales and were chosen from thousands of nominations. The judges assessed atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity and the quality of cask beer, real cider and perry.

The list features pubs with long histories and quirky stories, reflecting CAMRA’s aim to celebrate community hubs. This year’s regional winners include sites that are more than 300 years old and venues known for their memorabilia and unique events. Four regional winners will join the final shortlist in October, with the national winner announced in January. The August bank holiday is being used to encourage Britons to visit their local pubs, amid ongoing closures and the pressures of rising costs.

Britain’s pubs are showcased as cultural anchors even as the trade faces financial strain. The lineup suggests a growing appetite for venues that blend heritage with modern twists, such as coffeehouse elements or non-traditional formats, while still focusing on beer quality. A notable tension runs through the list: one venue faced sanctions over a Nazi memorabilia display, underscoring debates about history, memory and inclusivity in public spaces. The awards also function as a subtle call for policy relief, with CAMRA urging a fair Autumn Budget to help pubs survive costly times and keep serving communities.

Highlights

The story of Britain’s pubs continues to hinge on community support and policy answers.