For the 53rd edition of the Good Beer Guide, we’ve tapped into the grassroots comedy scene, with a foreword by comedian Ed Byrne, famous on social media for his #preshowpints.
While Ed is honest that he’s not always found a perfect pint on tour, there’s some solid recommendations in this year’s guide for people wanting that perfect pairing of a pint and a laugh:
Plough, Langford
King and Queen, Wendover
RedWillow, Macclesfield
Albion, Warrington
Coach and Four, Wilmslow
Old Ale House, Truro
Fell Bar, Penrith
Steam Machine, Newton Aycliffe
Crafty Casks, Raylaigh
Star and Dove, Bristol
Strand, Cheltenham
Hop Kettle, Gloucester
Belgium and Blues, Southampton
Barrels, Hereford
Three Blackbirds, Boxmoor
Victoria, Hitchin
Black Horse, Leicester
Sussex Arms, Tunbridge Wells
Beerhouse, Market Harborough
Birdcage, Lincoln
Artillery Arms, London
Pembury Tavern, Hackney
Leyton Engineer, East Leyton
Bohemia, North Finchley
Royal Albert, New Cross
Railway, Streatham
Dog House, Beddington
George IV, Chiswick
Viaduct, Hanwell
Turk’s Head, St Margaret’s
Angel, Dunkinfield
Flying Horse Hotel, Rochdale
King’s Arms, Watton
Mason’s Arms, Oxford
White Hart, Oxford
Crown Inn, Telford
Bath Brew House, Bath
Quantock Brewery Tap, Bishop’s Lydeard
Cross Keys Inn, Lydford on Fosse
Quicksilver Mail, Yeovil
Brewery Tap, Sudbury
Queen’s Head, Stourbridge
Hop Inn, Swindon
Chapel @ Whitehouse Street, Middlesbrough
Doghouse, Selby
Shakespeare’s Ale and Cider House, Sheffield
Mill Valley Brewery Tap, Cleckheaton
Calder Vale Hotel, Horbury Junction
Bosun’s Brewery Co Tap Room, Wetherby
Flute and Tankard, Cardiff
Winsdor, Penarth
In the foreword, Ed writes: “I know from touring the UK and visiting pubs that there are some true delights to be discovered if you know where to look. If, however, you don’t know where to look, that’s where the Good Beer Guide comes in handy.”
So, whether you want a country escape, an inner-city gem, or even a comedy night that serves a great pint, the Guide is your go-to for every beer or pub lover.
Order your copy of the Good Beer Guide 2026 here.
