Everyone’s got a favourite pub in the UK whether it be down the road from their house or elsewhere in the country.
Some shine for their offering drinks, particularly beer and other alcohol, while others entice customers with their delicious grub. But every Briton knows that the best pubs do it all.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is on a mission to crown one UK pub with the prestigious Pub of the Year Award and has whittled its finalists down to just 17. Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, and most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and Perry.
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: ”These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.”
These are the best boozers by region in the UK. Is your local on the list?
Best pubs in the UK
Central Southern – Bell Inn, Aldworth
Crowned the best in central southern England, this wonderful village pub is described as a “perennial gem”, having previously won the National Pub of the Year title in 1990 and 2019. It’s been in the capable hands of the Hunt/Macaulay family since the eighteenth century and has an impressive title as the only pub in Berkshire with outstanding national historic importance.
Along with excellent beer, The Bell is renowned for its homemade soups, filled rolls, ploughman’s platters and hot puddings.
East Anglia – Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Leading the East Anglia region in its offering of great pubs, this Victorian corner pub resides in the shadow of the medieval Great Yarmouth town walls. Showcasing East Anglian-produced cask beer and ciders, the Blackfriars Tavern has made its mark as a must-visit beer destination. In addition to a fantastic set of beers, the pub has a selection of artisan loose-leaf teas and a delicious food menu.
East Midlands – Horse and Jockey, Stapleford
The Horse and Jockey was a finalist for the National Pub of the Year title in 2013 and 2022. Known locally as ‘The Jockey,’ this welcoming free house boasts 13 different cask beers and is renowned for being very dog-friendly, with water bowls and treats provided, the pub has become a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, being situated close to the eastern side of the Erewash Valley trail in the East Midlands.
South West – Crossways Inn, West Huntspill
The Crossways Inn has quickly gained a reputation for good food and outstanding choice of beer, becoming a must-visit for those wanting a huge selection of well-maintained drinks. Located on the idyllic Somerset Levels, the 17th-century inn has several bar areas, boasting nine handpumps and an ever-changing range of up to 25 guest cask beers per week, plus a selection of real ciders and craft beers.
Greater London – Little Green Dragon, Winchmore Hill
A former shop unit, this Greater London pub was Enfield’s first micropub and opened in 2017. Its aim of providing the local community with a place to socialise with a drink, free from TV screens and slot machines has been successful with pubgoers enticed by traditional pub games like table skittle instead.
North East – Grey Horse, Consett
Leading the North East region is the oldest pub in Consett and one of the oldest in the region. With quality beer being 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.
Northern Ireland – Dog and Duck, Lisbellaw
A family-run, dog-friendly country pub, the Dog and Duck Inn is in the rural village of Lisbellaw, about five miles from Enniskillen. The pub is also home to the Glenwinny micro-distillery, which produces small batch rum, brandy and whiskey using locally sourced ingredients. Pubgoers can sample the range of spirits and even book a personalised tour and tasting experience.
Scotland – Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay
This 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 cosy coal fires. The traditional bar serves four changing cask beers, and a spacious area at the rear is used to host village events.
Wales – Cresselley Arms, Cressell Quay
Situated on the Cresswell River, stepping into this Grade II listed hostelry is like stepping 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. Just a short drive from Tenby, the pub also lies on a series of interesting walking routes, making it a popular destination for hikers.
West Midlands – Bailey Head, Owestry
Nestled near the Welsh borders in the charming market town of Oswestry, the Bailey Head is a must-visit for beer lovers. The pub has one of the largest beer ranges of any in Shropshire, claiming to have 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 – Three B’s, Bridlington
Run by a husband-and-wife duo who are passionate about beer and cider, the popular micropub is described as “Bridlington’s Real Ale Destination”, showcasing four cask beers usually from Yorkshire microbreweries. The pub aims to never sell the same beer twice and is also a National Cider Pub of the Year finalist in 2023.