The shortlisted pubs have beaten thousands of entries to be crowned the best in their region or nation and will now battle it out for the chance to be named CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year.
The final four pubs in the running for the overall title will be announced in October with the winner revealed in January 2026.
Judges will be looking for great atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
The 16 pubs have been recognised as the best of the best in the UK and their shortlisting for the competition is testament to their quality and commitment to their communities.
Exceptional quality
CAMRA Pub of the Year co-ordinator Andrea Briers said: “It is a real pleasure to announce this year’s top 16 pubs, each of which has demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities. These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special, from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all.
“Achieving this in the face of rising costs and other pressures is no small feat, and we want to see these pubs, and thousands of others like them, continue to thrive. That’s why we’re calling on the Chancellor to give pubs a fair deal in the Autumn Budget, so they can keep serving their communities for many years to come.”
The top 16 finalists are:
- East Anglia - Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
- East Central - Orange Tree, Baldock
- East Midlands - Burnt Pig, Ilkeston
- Greater London - Hope, Carshalton
- Merseyside and Cheshire - Cricketers, St Helens
- North East - Station House, Durham
- North West - Cumberland Inn, Alston
- Northern Ireland - Dog and Duck Inn, Lisbellaw
- Scotland - Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh
- South Central - Bell Inn, Aldworth
- South East - Royston, Broadstairs
- South West - Hole in the Wall, Bodmin
- Wales - Rhos yr Hafod Inn, Llanon
- West Central - Pelican Inn, Gloucester
- West Midlands - Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
- Yorkshire - Beer Engine, Skipton
