The Mold Alehouse in Flintshire, North Wales, has been recognised as one of the best pubs in Britain after reaching the national finals of CAMRA's Pub of the Year competition. The micropub is among 16 pubs competing for the title, with the overall winner set to be announced in January 2027.
Super-regional stage
CAMRA has already announced the winners for England's regions, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, just in time for a busy Bank Holiday weekend at pubs. These pubs now move on to the 'super-regional' stage of the competition. The final four will be announced in October, and the overall National Pub of the Year will be revealed in January 2027.
The final stages of the award are supported by Avani Solutions, CAMRA's Beer Quality Partner, and ICR Touch, CAMRA's Technology Partner.
Judging criteria
All 16 pubs will be judged on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, and overall impression. Most importantly, judges will pay close attention to the quality of the beer and real cider available.
Andrea Briers, who coordinates the Pub of the Year competition, 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, hard-working team running an amazing pub for their local community and serving brilliant cask beer."
She added: "Please make the most of this bank holiday weekend by showing your support for the UK's amazing pubs. You never know, you might pick one that ends up a winner next year."
The Mold Alehouse
CAMRA describes the finalist's ethos as "based on the sound principles of good beer and conversation." They add that the beers include four cask offerings, always including a dark beer, five KeyKeg lines and four ciders. It is centrally situated in a Grade II-listed building opposite Daniel Owen Square.
Gareth, who runs the business with his wife Rebecca, previously told WalesOnline that much of the micropub's charm comes from its simplicity. "There's no TV here, no live music, and we don't serve spirits or food—only snacks," he explained. He added that a big part of the appeal is that there is always someone around "to have a chat with at any time of the day."
Since opening in 2016, this micropub has won several CAMRA awards, including Best CAMRA Pub in Wales in 2022. The building was a café before Gareth and Rebecca took over.
CAMRA's campaign
CAMRA, the voluntary consumer group behind the awards, is asking the UK Government to change tax rules for pubs and brewers. They want changes to VAT, draught beer duty, and action on high energy bills.
The Campaign is also urging the UK and devolved governments to quickly introduce a fairer business rates system. They claim this would help pubs "compete with cheap supermarket alcohol, alongside the extra year of rates relief announced by the new Prime Minister for pubs in England last month."
Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA's Chairman, said: "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."
He added: "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."
The overall National Pub of the Year will be announced in January 2027.
