The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has revealed the 16 regional winners for its Pub of the Year awards, setting up the contest for the national title. Four finalists for the overall national award will be announced in October, with the winner revealed in January.
Top 16 pubs by region
In East Anglia, The Railway Arms in Saffron Walden took the top spot. The pub, which has a 4.6 score on Google, reopened in May 2021 after surviving the threat of closure due to residential development. According to its website, it has been managed by Graham Pearson, who has over 30 years' experience in the licensing trade, and has frequently won CAMRA's 'North West Essex Pub of the Year' as well as 'Essex Pub of the Year'. It has also been recognised for its in-house cider.
Malt Shovel Tavern in Northampton won for East Central, with a 4.6/5 score on Google Reviews. One visitor called it an "absolute gem of a pub" with "traditional beers, friendly service and fantastic atmosphere", hailing it as "by far the best pub in Northampton".
The Railway Inn Ketton took first place in the East Midlands. CAMRA described it as a "village gem that serves great cask beer and good wine in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere", noting the Grade II-listed building is several hundred years old.
Winners across London and the North
The Cockpit in Chislehurst was named best in Greater London, with a 4.8/5 score on Google Reviews. Its website describes it as an "independent, community driven micropub dedicated to exceptional gravity dispensed Cask Ale and Fine Cider", with a sommelier-selected wine menu and local artisan gins.
In Merseyside and Cheshire, The Turks Head in St Helens won. CAMRA described it as an "attractive Tudor-style pub dating back to the 1870s" with a rotating line-up of 14 handpulls, real ciders and a large whisky and gin bar. It previously featured in the organisation's top 16 in 2024.
Olde Cross in Old Ryton Village topped the North East. CAMRA hailed it as an "attractive Edwardian, half-timbered local in a beautiful setting by the village green", hosting events and local activities such as street-food vendors and pop-up supper clubs.
Call for government support
Andrea Briers, Pub of the Year Competition Coordinator, said: "We have a formidable top 16 this year, with both familiar faces and some first-time winners in the mix. Behind each one is a deserving and hard-working team, running an amazing pub for their local community, and serving brilliant cask beer."
Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman, added: "CAMRA's Pub of the Year competition highlights the very best that the UK has to offer, but unfortunately, it's much more common that licensees are struggling with day-to-day trading. The new Prime Minister and Chancellor have the power to change that. With the next UK Budget coming up, they could take action on business rates, draught beer duty and VAT, to deliver a Budget for beer drinkers and publicans."
A government spokesperson said: "We understand that pubs are feeling the pressure. That's why we have prioritised support for pubs, social clubs and live music venues through a 20% cut in business rates - saving thousands of locals over £1,000 a year. This is on top of providing a tax break on poured pints and capping corporation tax. As has always been the case, the Chancellor will set out decisions at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on proposals."
