The Campaign for Real Ale has published its list of 16 regional winners for its Pub of the Year 2025 competition, with those shortlisted beating thousands of entries.
A pub that was closed for five years, one in a converted furniture shop and a local owned by its customers are among those in the running for Britain’s best boozer.
The list also includes a 300 year old pub which is home to more than 10 local clubs and societies, another run by the same family since 1858, and two micro-pubs.
The Campaign for Real Ale has published its list of 16 regional winners for its Pub of the Year 2025 competition, with those shortlisted beating thousands of entries. Four will be picked in October to be in the running for Camra’s overall Pub of the Year, to be announced in January.
The celebration comes despite recent figures from Camra showing nearly five pubs were lost for good across Britain every week in the first half of this year, with more than 600 standing empty long term. The Mirror is championing the sector, and demanding help, with its Your Pub Needs You campaign.
Andrea Briers, Camra’s Pub of the Year co-ordinator, 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 pubs are:
East Anglia
The pub was derelict and had been closed for five years when it was bought during the first Covid lockdown and brought back to life.
Camra says: “This Victorian corner pub has really made its mark as a must visit destination in the short time since it reopened.”
East Central
Camra says: “This 300 year old multi roomed pub is home to more than ten local clubs and societies.”
East Midlands
Camra says: “A well established, friendly and popular micropub, extended over three rooms, with a collection of historical pub memorabilia.”
Greater London
Camra says: “Owned by its customers and totally free of tie, this community pub is ‘by beer enthusiasts for beer enthusiasts’.”
Merseyside and Cheshire
Camra says: “National Pub of the Year 2017 a family run community pub with 13 hand pulls, real cider plus a range of spirits. “
North East
Camra says: “Opened in 2015 in a former furniture shop. There is a back-to-basics approach with an emphasis on conversation and community.”
North West
Camra says: “A 19th century inn with a warm family welcome based on old-fashioned hospitality, home made food, comfortable accommodation and superb real ales an ciders.”
Northern Ireland
Camra says: “It specialises in independent beers, ciders and spirits with fourteen guest taps including four traditional cask beer pumps usually serving two cask ale and two real ciders.”
Scotland
Camra says: “Superb pub run by the same family since 1858. Its bar and snug are traditional, with wooden floors, wood panelling and mirrors from defunct local breweries. There is an attractive gantry topped with old cask and a large TV regularly showing sports.”
South Central
Camra says: “A perennial gem with the only Heritage Pub Interior in Berkshire. Its name refers to bells which were part of the coat of arms of the traditional landowners.”
South East
Camra says: “A stylish multi-award winning alehouse, decorated in an eclectic mix of Victorian, steampunk and art deco themes.”
South West
Camra says: “Dating from the 18th century and originally the town’s Debtors’ Prison, this locals’ pub is entered direct from the public car park or through a leafy garden containing a stream and tropical plants, presided over by a rather bleached stuffed lion. “
Wales
Camra says: “A friendly and traditional pub. Cosy drinking areas cluster around the small central bar and a larger back room decorated with old photographs of local scenes provides additional seating.”
West Central
Camra says: “Family run traditional ale house. Popular with cyclists, cathedral visitors and fans attending Gloucester Rugby home matches.”
West Midlands
The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire is among those shortlisted – and could pick up the national Pub of the Year gong for an unprecedented third time. Owner George Greenaway has also backed the Mirror’s Your Pub Needs You campaign.
The pub, which won Camra’s top prize in 2022 and 2023, boasts views of Tamworth Castle and runs themed events including comedy nights, and “paint and sip” sessions. The courtyard features regular live music with local performers, the occasional screening of cult films on a large screen, and even bat watch evenings.
Yorkshire
Camra says: “Micropub located in a tiny street between the town centre and the canal. “