Pub of the Year

2024 - Bailey Head, Oswestry

The Bailey Head in Oswestry, Shropshire has been named the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) overall Pub of the Year for the first time. The pub is a rags-to-riches success story after the owners turned what was once a closed local into a haven for the local community.

The Bailey Head had been failing under the ownership of a major pub company and was listed by CAMRA as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) to protect it from redevelopment. Nine years ago, it was bought by Duncan Borrowman and Grace Goodlad who poured their knowledge and passion into transforming the pub.

Community and inclusion are at the heart of the pub, and it acts as a hub for locals to come together for good causes through events like their charity pub quizzes and live music. Aside from providing a welcoming atmosphere, the Bailey Head also boasts an impressive array of cask beer and cider.

Photo Credit: Graham Mitchell