The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) not-for-profit group which champions drinks venues across the UK, has unveiled this year’s top four best pubs in the UK as part of its annual awards.
The accolade recognises pubs that offer a “commitment to quality and their communities,” and they have been judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and – most importantly – quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
This year’s four finalists will battle it out to claim the overall Pub of the Year title, CAMRA’s biggest award and one of the highest accolades a UK pub can win.
“It is always a hard-fought and close competition with judges having an incredibly difficult job whittling them down to just four,” said Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s pub of the year coordinator.
“They are shining examples of what makes our pubs so incredibly special, vital to our communities and providing a wonderful welcome to all.”
She added: “Every year we see pubs facing new pressures and to continue to thrive in the face of rising costs and other issues is humbling to see.”
The overall winner will be announced in January 2026.
The 2025 national finalists…
Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Already winner of CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2025, this Victorian corner pub, next to the 13th century town walls, has made its mark as a must-visit destination. Described as a real gem, the pub focusses on East Anglian produced cask, plus real ciders and perries, with its bar regularly showcasing CAMRA award-winning brews and even beers from the on-site brewery.
Landlord and freeholder Pharez Smith said: “Built on quality, consistency and a calm, welcoming atmosphere, we’re thrilled—especially as a final four pub—to be part of CAMRA’s work championing cask ale and real cider.”
Pelican Inn, Gloucester
Dating back to 1679, this Grade-II listed, family run traditional ale house is popular with cyclists, cathedral visitors and local Gloucester rugby fans. With up to 10 cask beers, 12 ciders and six craft kegs on at all times, plus a collection of rarer beer styles in can, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The multi-award-winning pub has been featured in the Good Beer Guide for more than a decade.
Licensee Mike Hall said “Never did I dare hope that the Pelican Inn would be recognised as one of the top four pubs in the country. The plan from day one was to make it a relevant part of the community and a beacon for real ale fans to find. The fact that it’s evolved into something so far beyond our own ambitions is the warmest of feelings. It’s a simple, traditional public house with a clear vision and fabulous, fabulous beer. This honour will stay with me always.”
Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
Twice overall winner of National Pub of the Year, in 2022 and 2023, the Tudor building and historic courtyard beer terrace offers striking views of Tamworth’s Norman Castle. Home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap, it features eight handpulls, with cask from near and far, along with a wide range of ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers. The “CAMRA corner” at the bottom of the stairs is always popular, along with its display of a complete set of Good Beer Guides.
Owners George and Louise Greenaway said: “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the continued support of our wonderful customers who make the pub what it is. Huge thanks to everyone who makes the pub such a special place to enjoy company and great beer. Cheers!”
Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh
A superb pub run by the same family since 1858 with a traditional bar and snug, wooden floors, wood panelling and mirrors from now closed local breweries. The pub’s interior is of historic interest with an attractive Victorian era gantry topped with old spirit cask barrels. It has a range of regularly changing cask beers and has won many awards, including CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year in 1998 and reached the top four in 2018.
Co-owner Katie McKenzie said: “Nigel, Hayley and I are absolutely delighted to be in the final four of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition. It is a testament to our hard-working staff, the breweries who supply us with fantastic beer and the community who drink and socialise with us. Staggs is a special place to many and we are grateful to everyone who plays a part in making us a community and more than just a pub.”
All 2025 regional winners…
East Anglia
Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
East Central
Orange Tree, Baldock
East Midlands
Burnt Pig, Ilkeston
Greater London
Hope, Carshalton
Merseyside and Cheshire
Cricketers, St Helens
North East
Station House, Durham
North West
Cumberland Inn, Alston
Northern Ireland
Dog and Duck Inn, Lisbellaw
Scotland
Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh
South Central
Bell Inn, Aldworth
South East
Royston, Broadstairs
South West
Hole in the Wall, Bodmin
Wales
Rhos yr Hafod Inn, Llanon
West Central
Pelican Inn, Gloucester
West Midlands
Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
Yorkshire
Beer Engine, Skipton
