Meet the finalists for Stonegate Pub of the Year

In the heart of a suburban village on the outskirts of Ringmer in the New Forest, the London Tavern is a friendly hub for the whole community, hosting thriving darts teams, a golf society and live music, with Summer Bank Holiday’s Tav Fest the calendar highlight.

The garden has been developed into an attractive and comfortable spot to meet, with heated booths.

Food is sourced from producers in an around the forest and features the popular ‘Tav Tapas’ while the whole pub is booked out for Sunday roasts. And there is, of course, a good range of well-kept cask beers.

Winner of this category last year, the Myrtle Tavern in the leafy suburbs of Leeds has continued to step up its game. A new kitchen has allowed the pub to add sharing plates, and the characterful bar has been reconfigured to create more space both sides of the ramp.

Outside the beer garden hosts events and is great for kids who can set up home in the playground’s Wendy houses, while the giant marquee that made the pub a pandemic destination has been converted into an adult games room with fire pit tables.

The drinks range has expanded, too, with more craft beers spirits and alcohol-free choices.

Dating back to the 15^th​ Century, the Old Windmill in Coventry’s city centre is a listed building packed with unspoilt character and charm just where jaded shoppers need it most. Full of nooks and crannies and tempting corners to drink and eat in, it just oozes history.

And it’s busier than ever since lessee Michelle Gilmour cajoled the architect’s office next door to loan them is car park for a weekend beer garden, doubling capacity, and added high quality ploughman’s lunches and cold platters to the pub’s famous pork pies.

The Windmill also hosts a busy events programme including live music and beer festivals. 

Alongside the canal in the centre of historic Lancaster, the White Cross is a stunning destination, a former cotton warehouse converted into an expansive modern split-level interior that opens onto the towpath.

Just as stunning is the beer range. Lessee Tim Tomlinson has added a compelling selection of craft beers on tap to the locally-brewed cask ales on the pumps. That’s complemented by a varied and interesting menu that includes food sourced from around the North West.

And the White Cross is also famous for its cocktail evenings, ‘Fizz Friday’ and a Tuesday quiz that’s been compered by Tomlinson since he took over the pub 18 years ago.

The White Horse achieved fame as the place where cross-channel swimmers dried out and registered their success by signing the walls of the ancient bar. More recently, though, lessees Stuart Fox and Julian Crowley have transformed the pub into a destination for diners with eye-catching décor and a roof terrace.

Alongside a menu featuring the top-selling pie of the day and plenty of vegan options, rum has become the new gin, here, with 20 brands available. Tequila could be next.

Marketed through various sponsorships including a youth rugby team, Dover Gay Pride and street pastors, the White Horse is an inclusive local that also catches many visitors to the town.

Lessee Henry Pearman, formerly a manager with Food & Fuel, has brought a touch of London style and know-how to this village pub, reflected in the food and service standards supported by well-trained staff and the latest technology.

Ye Olde Horseshoe developed a strong relationship with its customer base during lockdown, and improvements to the beer garden, including a pizza oven, have added to its attraction.

Inside, you have the choice of a comfy locals’ bar or a more formal dining area with table service, where the kitchen team have the scope to be creative and offer dishes that bring a touch of excitement to eating out.