Hoptician, Dursley exterior; photo by Kirsty Farmer
Gloucestershire’s Hoptician takes home coveted CAMRA award
The Hoptician, Dursley, has been crowned CAMRA’s overall Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2026, after fighting off fierce competition from a previous winner and the best cider pubs in the UK.
This impressive achievement is even more remarkable as the pub has only been open for two and a half years. In that time, licensees Kerry and Kevin Farmer have carved out a space for cider-lovers with their extensive range reaching up to 20 different options at times.
After a tour of the UK’s best micropubs, Kevin and Kirsty decided to take a punt on an old optician’s shop to start their own micropub journey, despite not knowing exactly where Dursley was.
Their punt paid off though, as it’s now thriving as a major community hub, with music, DJ, and open mic nights. They also put on golf outings, organise weekly charity quiz nights, and set up a pub garden in the summer.
The ‘Hop’ has earned a reputation as the go-to cider place in the area, but they also serve five cask beers and have crafted a wholly unique pub with walls filled with beer and cider pump clips, cinema seats to enjoy a pint on, an old games machine, a vintage record player and a welcoming mannequin with a frequently changing attire.
Kirsty Farmer, licensee of the Hoptician, said:
“We are immensely grateful and honoured to have received such a high accolade after just two and a half years. It really is down to the amazing community in Dursley for all their continued support. We think it’s a privilege to be part of a positive story in the hospitality industry at this time when pubs are closing and struggling."
Sarah Newson, National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year Coordinator, said:
“The four finalists this year were of a very high standard, so it was particularly impressive for the Hoptician to be overall winner for 2026 as it only opened in 2024. It provides a showcase for quality real cider and perry, with local producers at the forefront. All wrapped up in a lovely quirky style, it's very friendly to all, and it is a real asset to the local community, where it is much appreciated and very popular.”
The Cider and Perry Pub of the Year award recognises the best pub or club that promotes and encourages the sale of quality real cider and perry across the UK.
Ends
Notes to editors
Find photos of the Hoptician here.
Award presentation
The presentation for the Hoptician’s award is on Friday 2 October at 1.30pm, 4 Silver Street, Dursley, GL11 4ND. If you are interested in attending, please contact press@camra.org.uk
The other Cider Pub of the Year finalists were:
