CAMRA has revealed the 16 pubs progressing to the next stage of its 2026 Pub of the Year competition ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.
The winners represent CAMRA’s regions across England alongside the overall winners for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
All 16 will now progress to the super-regional stage of judging, with four finalists due to be announced in October ahead of the overall National Pub of the Year being revealed in January 2027.
The 16 winning pubs are:
- East Anglia: Railway Arms, Saffron Walden
- East Central: Malt Shovel Tavern, Northampton
- East Midlands: Railway Inn, Ketton
- Greater London: Cockpit, Chislehurst
- Merseyside and Cheshire: Turks Head, St. Helens
- North East: Olde Cross, Old Ryton Village
- North West: Northumberland Arms, Marple Bridge
- Northern Ireland: Dog and Duck Inn, Lisbellaw
- Scotland: Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn
- South Central: Bell, Waltham St Lawrence
- South East: Nelson Arms, Tonbridge
- South West: Fallen Tree, Clevedon
- Wales: Mold Alehouse, Mold
- West Central: Alma Inn, Linton
- West Midlands: Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
- Yorkshire: Countryman’s Inn, Hunton
The final stages of the competition are supported by Avani Solutions, CAMRA’s Beer Quality Partner, and ICR Touch, its Technology Partner.
Alongside announcing this year’s winners, CAMRA is encouraging customers to support pubs over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The organisation is also using the competition to renew its calls for government action on the pressures facing pubs and brewers.
CAMRA is calling for changes covering VAT and draught beer duty alongside measures addressing energy costs.
It is also seeking business rates reform across the UK to help pubs compete with alcohol sold through supermarkets and other off-trade retailers.
Andrea Briers, Pub of the Year Competition Coordinator, said: “We have a formidable top 16 this year, with both familiar faces and some first-time winners in the mix. Behind each one is a deserving and hard-working team, running an amazing pub for their local community, and serving brilliant cask beer.
“Please make the most of this bank holiday weekend by showing your support for the UK’s amazing pubs. You never know, you might pick one that ends up a winner next year.”
Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman, added: “CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition highlights the very best that the UK has to offer, but unfortunately, it’s much more common that licensees are struggling with day-to-day trading.
“The new Prime Minister and Chancellor have the power to change that. With the next UK Budget coming up, they could take action on business rates, draught beer duty and VAT, to deliver a Budget for beer drinkers and publicans.”
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