The Cockpit in Chislehurst, Kent, which began serving in late December 2020 during the pandemic, is among the final four contenders for the Campaign for Real Ale's National Pub of the Year 2026.
The micropub and shop, owned by the community, opened in a former shop with lockdowns in full swing. It was able to operate more normally the following summer as restrictions were eased and quickly became popular with locals.
Licensee's reaction
Licensee Adam Miller described reaching the final four as “boggling news”. He said: “It has caused a frenzy of frenetic jubilation amongst us staff and stalwarts at The Cockpit.
“This is a pub stripped back to basics, where the pristinity of our ales, ciders, food and wine speak to the uncompromising standards of the producers that grace our floorboards, along with our punters’ intangible whimsies seasoning the atmosphere so dotingly, it is a truly treasured environment to serve such a convivial community.
“Thank you to all the stagehands that keep the wheels in motion, both on the jump and behind the curtain, and thank you, CAMRA, for recognising our little boozer with this accreditation; what splendid company to be in.”
The other finalists
The other three finalists are The Turks Head in St Helens, the Countryman’s Inn in Hunton, Yorkshire, and the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth. The Turks Head has been a previous regional winner, while the Tamworth Tap will be fighting for a record-breaking fourth National Pub of the Year title.
CAMRA describes The Cockpit, which shares its space with a florists, as having an easy going, chatty atmosphere, “with a £1 fine for using any mobile phones or foul language.”
Challenges facing pubs
The competition comes amid tough times for the sector, with figures this week showing pubs were closing at an average rate of one every day this year.
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator, said: “Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived, but thrived. All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe.”
Clare Harrison, licensee of the Turks Head, said: “To say we’re over the moon is an understatement. We’re incredibly proud to have reached the final four pubs, and to be representing St Helens at this level is honestly a dream come true.”
Dan Male, licensee of the Countryman’s Inn, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have made it to the last four. In our fourth year of community ownership the pub continues to grow, and we are so proud to be recognised by CAMRA in the work we are doing.”
George Greenaway, landlord of the Tamworth Tap, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have made the final four again. It honestly feels just as exciting as it did the first time we became finalists. We were keeping everything crossed.”
