Local winners have now been crowned across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions of England, with all 16 progressing to the next stage of judging for the chance to be named the overall Pub of the Year.
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The four finalists will be announced in October, ahead of the reveal of the overall National Pub of the Year in January 2027.
Amazing pubs
POTY coordinator Andrea Briers 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 and hard-working team, running an amazing pub for their local community and serving brilliant cask beer.”
The top 16 pubs are:
- East Anglia: Railway Arms, Saffron Walden
- East Central: Malt Shovel Tavern, Northampton
- East Midlands: Railway Inn, Ketton
- Greater London: Cockpit, Chislehurst
- Merseyside and Cheshire: Turks Head, St. Helens
- North East: Olde Cross, Old Ryton Village
- North West: Northumberland Arms, Marple Bridge
- Northern Ireland: Dog & Duck Inn, Lisbellaw
- Scotland: Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn
- South Central: Bell, Waltham St Lawrence
- South East: Nelson Arms, Tonbridge
- South West: Fallen Tree, Clevedon
- Wales: Mold Alehouse, Mold
- West Central: Alma Inn, Linton
- West Midlands: Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
- Yorkshire: Countryman’s Inn, Hunton
CAMRA also highlighted the ongoing cost pressures facing pubs and the wider hospitality sector.
Take action
As politicians return from their summer break ahead of the Budget, due at the end of October, CAMRA has called for changes to tax arrangements for pubs and brewers, action on sky-high energy bills, fairer business rates and stronger planning protections for pubs in Scotland.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins added: “CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition highlights the very best the UK has to offer, but unfortunately, it’s much more common that licensees are struggling with day-to-day trading.
“The new Prime Minister and Chancellor have the power to change that. With the next Budget coming up, they should take action to lower draught beer duty and VAT, to deliver a Budget for beer drinkers and publicans.”
