Pub of the Year
About the Award
CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year is the annual competition to find the very best pub in the UK. We’ve been highlighting the best pubs in the country since 1988, and the competition helps to showcase quality pubs around the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting. Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.
Regional and National Pub of the Year Finalists
CAMRA has announced this year’s finalists from the UK’s nations and regions. The top 17 pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area. For the first time a Northern Ireland winner has been crowned this year, having previously been part of a joint Scotland and Northern Ireland Pub of the Year competition.
The 17 pubs will now have a chance to compete for the National Pub of the Year crown.
Pub of the Year Regional and National Finalists
East Anglia
Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
This Victorian corner pub resides in the shadow of the medieval Great Yarmouth town walls. Photo by Helge Nareid.
East Midlands
Horse & Jockey, Stapleford
Known locally as ‘The Jockey’, this welcoming free house offers a choice of 13 real ales.
Greater London
Little Green Dragon, Winchmore Hill
A former shop unit, Enfield’s first micropub opened in 2017.
Greater Manchester
Northumberland Arms, Marple Bridge
Saved from permanent closure in 2017 following a successful campaign by the local community to bring the pub into community ownership.
Kent
Nelson Arms, Tonbridge
This beautifully refurbished side street local was a finalist in last year’s national Pub of the Year competition.
Merseyside & Cheshire
Turks Head, St Helens
An attractive Tudor-style pub dating back to the 1870s near the town centre.
Scotland
Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay, Fife
A community-focused village pub with cosy coal fires, a beer garden and real ales all adding to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
South West
Crossways Inn, West Huntspill
The 17th-century inn is a must visit for those wanting a huge selection of well-maintained drinks. Photo by Steve Dean.
Surrey & Sussex
Brickmaker’s Alehouse, Bexhill on Sea
Bexhill’s first micropub was converted from a former shop and showroom of a local brick manufacturer.
Wales
Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay
Dating back to the 1880s, the Victorian public bar has changed little over the centuries.
Wessex
Woodman Inn, Bridport
A fiercely independent, traditional pub at the heart of its community, with a focus on quality beers and ciders.
Northern Ireland
Dog and Duck Inn, Lisbellaw
Noted for its welcoming and cosy atmosphere, it specialises in independent beers, ciders and spirits. The pub is also home to the Glenwinny micro distillery.
West Midlands
Bailey Head, Oswestry
A must visit for beer lovers, having one of the largest beer ranges of any pub in Shropshire.
West Pennines
Black Horse, Preston
A visually stunning Victorian Grade II listed pub opposite the historic Preston open market. Photo by Ralph Warrington.
Yorkshire
Three B’s, Bridlington
Popular micropub is described as “Bridlington’s Real Ale Destination”. Photo by Mark Bates
2023 Champion:
The Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
The impressive brewpub has been named the best pub in the UK for a second consecutive year in CAMRA’s national Pub of the Year competition.
The Tamworth Tap in Tamworth is housed in an elegant building, with Tudor features in the cosy upstairs room and a historic courtyard beer terrace that offers striking views of Tamworth Castle. It went from empty premises to an iconic brewpub in less than five years, and today boasts eight handpulls, including at least one Tamworth ale brewed on site. A ‘CAMRA corner’ at the bottom of the stairs includes a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides.
Themed events regularly take place in this bustling brewpub, including ‘paint and sip’ sessions, film screenings and comedy nights. The courtyard features regular live music with local performers and its weekly ‘Sunday Session’. It also hosts events such as bat watch evenings, beer tasting sessions, an annual Wassailing ceremony and supports a wide-range of community initiatives across the town. The in-house ‘Tap Times’ lists local happenings and forthcoming events.
The judges described the pub as “An excellent example of a pub at the centre of its community that supports a wide variety of diverse local activity groups, with knowledgeable, helpful staff to help you find a real ale or cider to suit your taste.”
2023 Runners Up
Beer Engine, Skipton
A well-established micropub with six handpumps. Extended in 2022, the bar now includes craft keg fonts.
Nelson Arms, Tonbridge
A range of six to eight beers – and up to 15 ciders – across a range of styles is usually served.
Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man
A long-standing real ale pub on the harbour, now owned by Odin and usually serving four of the brewery’s beers plus two guests.