Pub Design Awards
About the Award
Our annual Pub Design Awards are held in conjunction with Historic England and recognise the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs as well as in the construction of new ones in the UK. They are judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation.
Entries for the Pub Design Awards have now closed for this year.
New Build
This category assesses newly built pubs. They might reflect its past or it could be completely modern.
Community Local Award (formerly the Joe Goodwin Award)
Named after the late CAMRA chair Joe Goodwin, the award is reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner locals.
Historic England Conservation
Sponsored by Historic England, this award is usually given for work which conserves what is good in the pub to ensure its future for generations.
Conversion to Pub Use
For outstanding conversions of buildings which were built for other uses.
Refurbishment
Refurbishment can range from a complete gutting and replacement to enhancing the design of what was originally in the pub.
Find the 2023 Pub Design Award winners below
Historic England Award for Conservation
Winner: Black Lion, London
A Grade II* listed property dating back to 1898, with fantastic interior décor – a rich ceiling, original bar counter, island back bar, screen partition, etched and cut glass and very decorative cornice.
Historic England Award for Conservation
Highly Commended: Spread Eagle, London
A lavish late-Victorian Young’s pub, rebuilt in 1898 during the great pub boom. It’s a landmark Flemish Renaissance-style three-storey building across the road from the former, much-lamented Young’s Brewery. Ground floor of polished granite with pilasters having decorative capitals and red brick upper storeys. The distinctive and attractive iron and glass canopy which projects from the main entrance across the street seems original. The interior gives a very good idea of what a classy late Victorian pub could look like with extensive expanses of etched glass which makes the place sparkle.
Refurbishment Award
Winner: Cadogan Arms, London
Dating back to the 17th century, the restoration of the pub sought to recreate the lost early Georgian architectural details and ornate timber panelling of the original building.
Refurbishment Award
Highly Commended: The George, London
The intensive renovation of this pub pays homage to its history as a hub for the political, cultural and social movements of the late 18th century. Behind the panelled bar counter is a magnificent five-bay back-fitting with etched and gilded mirrors with the sprays of flowers and foliage that were so popular with pub fitters of the day. The left-hand side of the pub has wood-panelled walls, more etched and gilded mirrors, and delightful ceramic panels. The rear is fully panelled to the ceiling and decorated with mirrors and tiles with beautifully realised painted hunting dogs and a stag.
New Build Award
Winner: Strawberry Thief, Swindon
This large single storey building is a flagship house of Swindon brewer, Arkell’s. It is the brewer’s newest and largest pub, opening in June 2022 in celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne. It is modern in every respect and has a huge outside patio area.
The Community Local Award (formerly the Joe Goodwin Award)
Winner: Gordon Arms, Bedford
A neighbourhood hangout which offers great beer, tasty food and friendly service. The pub reopended following extensive remodelling to give an extensive bar area with distinct areas.
Conversion To Pub Use Award
Winner: Turk’s Head, Exeter
Originally an inn for over 700 years, this property was entirely reconfigured from a pizza restaurant into a functional pub whilst keeping its historical character. This is one of the region’s oldest pubs and said to be a favourite of Charles Dickens.
Conversion To Pub Use Award
Highly Commended: bod Matlock, Matlock
A building that originally housed a Boots chemist, which retains its art-deco heritage. Built in the 1920s specifically for Boots the Chemist, a mural of the original frontage can be seen on the Garden Room wall.
Conversion To Pub Use Award
Highly Commended: Fourth Fiend, Meltham
A conversion by the local Three Fiends Brewery of a 19th Century school building later used as a Conservative Club. Use of traditional features such as matchboarding and different wall finishes gives the impression that a single large space is divided into ‘bar’ and ‘lounge’ areas.
