The Keynsham Courtyard, Keynsham, Somerset
From the lyrics and paintings of iconic rockstars on the walls to the beautifully crafted stage and beach huts in the garden, the Keynsham Courtyard is a pub with a strong identity.
Major investment this year in the outside space has given music fans more space and opportunity to enjoy the wide array of live entertainment on offer and boosted turnover.
As well as providing a platform for the best in local talent, the Keynsham runs a popular pub quiz, regular festivals and a variety of clubs with all guests able to enjoy a broad selection of drinks served by a well-informed and enthusiastic team.
Pontardawe Inn, Pontardawe, Swansea
Every August music fans descend on the small town in the Swansea valleys for a huge celebration of music.
The Pontardawe Festival is a vital weekend in the pub’s calendar with acts booked a year in advance. The team led by Sion and Michelle have successfully created plenty more reasons to visit throughout the year with a Pride Festival and a Folk and Ale event.
Add in live entertainment every weekend, a spacious garden that hosts a monthly market and it is plain to see why this pub is already a popular multi-award winner.
Bonnie Rogues, Cardiff
Situated in the heart of the city, Bonnie Rogues succeeds in providing a varied entertainment offer to attract a crowd against stiff local competition.
The vast bar spreads over two floors, providing space for dining, more than 40 screens for live sport, room for private hire and a stage for performers, who will also mingle and play among the guests.
The introduction of themed brunches and networking events with live music have proved popular this year. As well as providing the food and drinks, staff also take part in the entertainment by leading the dancing with choreographed performances.
The Mayfield, Seamer, Scarborough, Yorkshire
This is a pub that truly offers something for everyone. The extensive pub includes a main bar, beer garden, carvery, accommodation for guests, an indoor children’s play area and an ice-cream parlour.
Perhaps the standout feature is the Mayfield’s function room. A creatively minded team with a background in theatre production have put on an array of stunning experience events which simply wow their guests.
The Mamma Mia, Hoedown and Moulin Rouge themes has seen the room transformed while guests enjoy a two-course meal, a private bar and top-class entertainment.
Add in live music sessions in the bar, festivals and some of the best tribute acts around and The Mayfield will surely entertain all.
The Goose, Manchester
This is a pub that was almost made for the small but perfectly formed description.
A joint investment with Punch this year has transformed the Goose to provide more space at the bar and on the dance floor.
A premium drinks offer, immaculate standards and a huge sense of fun are always on offer alongside a packed programme of entertainment.
Some of the best drag acts in the area lead the entertainment which includes shows, karaoke and a pub quiz. It has made The Goose a must-visit spot in the iconic and competitive Gay Village.
Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar, Boscombe, Dorset
Once visited, never forgotten. Chaplin’s is a venue that makes an impact on everyone who goes as a guest or performs there.
The cellar bar is a vital space for live acts to hone their craft. With performances every day of the year, with the only exceptions of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, this is a venue with live music in its very DNA.
But there’s more to Chaplin’s too: original artwork throughout, the inviting Modern Times restaurant, and a garden that hosts more live performances and has been boosted by the introduction of a smokehouse and the new Firehouse bar. It also boasts one of the largest collections of Charlie Chaplin memorabilia in the world.
