NI Pub of the Year crowned by CAMRA

CAMRA recognizes The Dog & Duck Inn in Lisbellaw as Northern Ireland Pub of the Year for a second year, highlighting NI's craft beer scene amid rising costs.

Dog & Duck Inn Named NI Pub of the Year for Second Year

The Dog & Duck Inn in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, has been named Northern Ireland Pub of the Year for the second consecutive year by CAMRA. The pub features fourteen guest taps, including four traditional cask pumps, and offers a menu that uses locally sourced and seasonal produce. CAMRA also notes the presence of locally brewed ales such as Inishmacsaint, Rough Brothers, Lacada and Bullhouse, alongside house ales Paxton IPA and Sprocker Pale Ale. The pub is home to the Glenwinny distillery, underscoring a broader local drinks culture.

Becoming NI Pub of the Year places The Dog & Duck Inn in the running for CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year. The final four pubs for that title will be announced in October, with the winner revealed in January 2026. The judging focuses on value for money, atmosphere, welcome, service and overall impression, with quality cask beer, real cider and perry as key indicators. The article also notes that pubs across the UK face tough conditions, including high costs, tax burdens and crippling business rates, and it calls for sector specific support such as reform of the business rates system, extension of draught beer and cider duty relief, and reductions in Employer National Insurance to help with staffing costs.

CAMRA’s regional win highlights Northern Ireland’s growing craft beer scene and the role of pubs as community anchors. The Dog & Duck Inn’s success suggests that a strong program of local sourcing, hospitality, and a diverse beer range can still thrive even as the sector contends with a difficult economic climate. The award also surfaces the fragility of small pubs when policy costs rise, illustrating how community spaces depend on both quality products and financial relief to endure.

Looking ahead, the story points to policy choices that could shape the sector’s stability. If government decisions fail to address business rates and duty relief, even celebrated pubs may struggle to translate accolades into long-term growth. The piece argues for targeted measures to support pubs, which could bolster local jobs, tourism and regional culture while keeping craft beer accessible to communities.

Highlights

The win shines a light on Northern Ireland’s pub culture and the work that lies ahead for policy makers.