
Hunt for the top pub companies begins
The search for the best in the sector is once more underway as the Publican Awards 2027 are open for entries.

The search for the best in the sector is once more underway as the Publican Awards 2027 are open for entries.

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has revealed the shortlist for this year’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs).

Creating a brand new pub from a former tourism office is in itself an achievement, to turn it into the Best Pub for Beer 2026 is even more impressive.

Named after a legendary Saxon warrior, the Rattlebone Inn has been at the heart of the village of Sherston for centuries.

The Lion at Malpas has been named Best Inn, recognised for its food, accommodation and hospitality, as well as the way it has built a strong team and sense of community around the business.

Nantwich sports bar GOAT takes its name from the sporting acronym for Greatest of All Time.

The Tichborne Arms is a worthy winner of the Best Pub Garden category thanks to its outstanding ability to turn an outdoor space into the very heart of the business.

This family-run pub impressed the judges with its strong ongoing business innovation, excellent community focus and impactful marketing ideas.

With inspired licensee Joseph Ballard at the helm, the Black Swan Public House & Theatre, is a worthy winner of the Great British Pub Awards Best Pub for Entertainment.

A significant transformation has put the Honey Bee firmly on the map, with the Aylesbury pub crowned Marston’s Pub of the Year.

A historic waterside pub that oozes character, champions its local community and is laser-focused on the guest experience – it is clear to see why Dr Foster was crowned Best Town Pub.

The Plough in Prestbury is a pub that perfectly demonstrates how family hospitality can be woven into every aspect of a business without compromising its appeal to any other customer group.

The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest has developed a distinctive food offer shaped by its location, local farms and the surrounding estate.

The Maltings has built a dog-friendly offer that goes far beyond the basics.

The Crown has risen from the ashes of a devastating fire that swept through the building in 2023.

Nestled in the village of Clewer, the Swan truly puts the community at its heart.

The Red Lion, Cranford, boasts all the traditional elements you’d expect from a country pub, but its quirky extras, modern touches and focus on genuine hospitality are what sets it apart from the rest.

More than 17 years of hard work has paid off for one Scottish licensee after she took home a top pub award.

ANALYSIS
Christmas Eve has overtaken Mad Friday as the biggest draught beer and cider trading day of the festive period as drinkers shift from city centres to neighbourhood pubs in the run-up to Christmas.

GREAT BRITISH PUB AWARDS 2026
The best in the business gathered in Leeds last night (Wednesday 23 September) to celebrate the 2026 Great British pub Awards (GBPA).

A former tourist information centre that was transformed into a pub has been crowned the best in the country.

GREAT BRITISH PUB AWARDS 2026
It’s the day we have all been waiting for...the Great British Pub Awards (GBPA) is happening today!

From celebrated cask ale destinations and family-focused food pubs to community-minded hospitality businesses, these six finalists showcase the breadth, innovation and excellence in the Stonegate Group Pub of the Year category.

Discover the six finalists for the Punch Pubs Pub of the Year category at the Great British Pub Awards 2026.

Six pubs from across the Marston’s estate have been shortlisted for this year’s Great British Pub Awards, with finalists spanning the country from the West Midlands to the south coast.

From inspirational community locals and thriving sports pubs to a fire-ravaged village inn brought back to life, these six outstanding venues are competing for the Admiral Taverns Pub of the Year title.

The finalists fighting it out to be named Greene King Pub of the Year showcase the best in hospitality, community engagement, food, drink and innovative pub operations.

Fever-Tree CEO Tim Warrillow has been unveiled as the keynote speaker at William Reed’s forthcoming Drink Tank event, taking place in London on 10 November.

The finalists for Best Town Pub showcase how they have carved out a unique place in their community.

From standout food and drink offerings to exceptional hospitality an memorable guest experiences, the shortlisted venues have earned their place as finalists in the Best Inn category.

Butcombe Group has invested £750,000 in a new wedding and events venue at the Methuen Arms in Corsham, Wiltshire.

GREAT BRITISH PUB AWARDS 2026
From innovative tasting menus and hyper-local sourcing to sustainable cooking practices and exceptional hospitality, the 2026 Best Pub for Food finalists represent the very best food-led pubs in the UK, showcasing outstanding dining experiences rooted in...

GREAT BRITISH PUB AWARDS 2026
From coastal terraces and riverside retreats to countryside escapes, the Best Pub Garden finalists showcase the outside areas in the UK, combining stunning outdoor spaces with exceptional hospitality, food, drink and community spirit.

The 2026 finalists have been showcasing the very best in family-friendly hospitality.

From live entertainment and murder mystery nights to community theatre and family fun days, the 2026 Best Pub for Entertainment finalists have showcased how they are creating memorable experiences for customers.

From historic coaching inns and thatched village locals to food-led destinations and thriving community hubs, the finalists for the this year’s Best Country Pub showcase the best of rural hospitality.

From dog menus and treats to dedicated events, accommodation and community initiatives, the finalists in the GPBA 2026 Best Pub for Dogs category have all gone the extra mile to create memorable experiences for both canine visitors and their owners.

The long, hot summer has come to an end and the thoughts of pub operators are turning towards Christmas.

From charity fundraising and food banks to community ownership and inclusive events, the finalists for the GBPA 2026 Best Community Pub award showcase the vital role pubs play at the heart of local communities across the UK.

This year’s Best Beer Pub finalists have been battling it out to be crowned the winner.

A previous Great British Pub Awards winner has been recognised for its commitment to the community it serves.

With a packed sporting calendar, Halloween, Bonfire Night and the start of the festive season all on the horizon, autumn 2026 offers plenty of opportunities for pubs to drive footfall and boost sales.

Winston Churchill has topped a poll of historic figures Brits would most like to share a pint with, while Napoleon was the top choice among 18 to 24-year-olds.

Pubs across the UK have paid tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton following her passing earlier this week.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has unveiled the finalists for its 2026 Pub of the Year (POTY) competition.

Comedian Joe Lycett is set to open a pub that will trade for just one hour per week that will shine a spotlight on the great British pub.

Drink-focused pubs recorded a significant rise in trade during the men’s football World Cup competition this summer.

New consumer demands, changing regulation and fast-moving categories are reshaping the drinks landscape and Drink Tank will bring the industry together to explore what’s driving growth today and what’s framing the future.

As the new Premier League football season ramps up for kick-off this weekend (Friday to Monday 21-24 August), The Morning Advertiser chatted to a couple of faces from the TNT Sports team.

Pubs saw an additional £1,891 each during the men’s World Cup tournament, new figures have shown.