The Ship Tavern
A familiar name on the Great British Pub Awards shortlist, the Ship Tavern returns as a Best Town Pub finalist after making the cut in 2025.
Tucked away behind Holborn station, this 475-year-old pub has been in the same family for more than two decades and continues to combine its historic character with an elevated food and drink offer.
Its location makes it a natural stopping point for both London workers and tourists, while its traditional setting gives it plenty of character.
The operation has continued to evolve without losing sight of what makes the pub special, making it a standout city-centre destination.
Dr Foster
Dr Foster is a pub that proudly puts Gloucester at the heart of everything it does.
Located in the historic Kimberley Warehouse at Gloucester Docks, it has established itself as a popular destination for both local residents and visitors to the city.
The pub has built a strong reputation for bringing people together, hosting regular quizzes, live music, entertainment and community-focused events to create a lively atmosphere throughout the week.
Alongside this, its approachable pub classics menu and broad drinks offer ensure there is something for every occasion.
By combining a welcoming community spirit with a prominent waterside setting, Dr Foster has become a valued part of Gloucester’s social scene and a pub locals are proud to call their own.
The Keynsham Courtyard
The Keynsham Courtyard has built its reputation around being a venue where there is always something happening, with live music, quizzes, open-mic nights and community events forming a key part of its offer.
The venue caters from daytime through to evening, with hot drinks and homemade cakes giving way to beers, wine and cocktails later in the day.
Live music is a regular fixture, while its programme of events helps maintain footfall across the week.
The addition of a new garden has further developed the site, giving customers another reason to visit as the venue continues to position itself as a key social destination in Keynsham.
Cock ‘N’ Bull.Co
Cock ‘N’ Bull.Co takes a distinctly contemporary approach to the town pub, combining a strong food offer with cocktails, entertainment and a busy social atmosphere.
The Stourbridge venue serves burgers and buttermilk fried chicken alongside cocktails and gin from sister site Coal & Cotton.
Entertainment is another major part of the proposition, with retro games consoles, DJs and live music adding to the offer.
Its outdoor space has also been developed, with the Yard & Beyond beer garden extending the venue’s appeal during the warmer months.
It is a pub built around experience as much as food and drink, with plenty designed to keep customers on site for longer.
Kennedy’s Irish Bar
Kennedy’s Irish Bar is the newest venue on this year’s Best Town Pub shortlist, having opened in Didsbury in August 2025 as the second site from the Kennedy’s Irish Bars operation.
The venue has quickly established a proposition centred on Guinness, live music and Irish hospitality.
Its drinks-led offer is complemented by regular promotions and a busy programme designed to keep the venue lively across the week.
Kennedy’s has also been included in the inaugural Guinness Harp Guide for 2026, recognising its credentials as an Irish bar and underlining the impact it has made since opening.
The Dog & Collar
Situated on Liverpool’s Hope Street in the city’s Georgian Quarter, the Dog & Collar has made its mark by combining history with a modern food and drink operation.
The pub occupies a building with more than 200 years of history and has previously served a variety of purposes, including as a private residence, members’ club and nightclub.
Today, the venue has put food firmly at the centre of its proposition, with its dining offer built around fire, smoke and quality produce.
Its location also places it close to some of Liverpool’s best-known cultural attractions, giving it a strong appeal to both locals and visitors.
