The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) not-for-profit group which champions drinks venues across the UK, has unveiled this year’s top four social clubs in the UK as part of its annual awards.
The accolade recognises clubs that offer “a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and most importantly, top quality cask beer served in great condition.”
This year’s four finalists will battle it out to claim CAMRA’s overall Club of the Year title, the highest honour the campaign organisation presents to a club.
“Clubs are important social hubs for communities across the UK,” said Phil Gregg, CAMRA’s club of the year co-ordinator.
“These fantastic finalists sum up everything that is great about the club scene – friendly and inclusive spaces with top-quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
“I do not envy those judging the overall winner, as the quality of candidates for the club of the year competition seems to get better each and every year.
“I encourage everyone to visit our top four clubs to experience them for yourself or support your local club.”
The overall winner will be announced in early 2026.
The 2025 national finalists…
Appleton Thorn Village Hall, Cheshire
Previously an old school, the building dates back to the 1880s and was converted into a club in 1978 when a group of villagers voiced a need for a central meeting place in the village. It is now the heart of the Appleton community. The club has won overall club of the year four times and boasts a wide range of cask beers from independent brewers, plus real ciders and perries.
Billingham Catholic Club, County Durham
The club is renowned for hosting weekly band nights and supporting the local live music scene. Featuring in the Good Beer Guide for almost 20 years, the club has gained a reputation for its ever-changing cask beer lineup, serving 150 different beers annually. The club stages regular beer festivals throughout the year, in particular the annual garden party in August, which raises money for local charities.
Cheltenham Motor Club, Gloucestershire
Formed in 1906, this friendly and welcoming club has won the overall club of the year three times. The bar is decorated with motoring paraphernalia and has six cask beers on tap and at least one cider plus a range of bottled Belgian beers. The club hosts local darts and pool teams plus an annual beer festival, along with regular “meet the brewer” and takeover evenings.
Orpington Liberal Club, London
Run by a committee of cask beer enthusiasts, the club has a particular focus on local brewers and microbreweries, with up to five cask beers available, including a stout or porter and a changing range of real ciders and perries. Live music is a key element of the club, hosting the Orpington Jazz Club. The club also runs beer festivals twice per year and frequent “meet the brewer” evenings.
All 2025 regional winners…
East Anglia
Carleton Rode Social Club, Norfolk
East Central
Kettering Midland Band Social Club, Northamptonshire
East Midlands
Parwich Royal British Legion Club, Derbyshire
Greater London
Orpington Liberal Club, Bromley
Merseyside and Cheshire
Appleton Thorn Village Hall, Cheshire
North East
Billingham Catholic Club, County Durham
North West
Gregson Community and Arts Centre, Lancashire
Scotland
Ravenswood Club (Royal British Legion), Aberdeenshire
South Central
Corfe Castle Club, East Dorset
South East
Marden Village Club, Kent
South West
GWRSA Railway Club Exmouth, Devon
Wales
Earl Haig Club (Royal British Legion), Cardiff
West Central
Cheltenham Motor Club, Gloucestershire
West Midlands
Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club, Halesowen
Yorkshire
Wortley Men’s Club, Barnsley
