The top pubs in Britain that stand a chance of being crowned the overall best boozer in the country have been announced today.
Winning pubs in each region have been revealed by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and are shortlisted for the national title of Pub of the Year, which will be announced in January.
The 16 boozers have beaten out thousands of nominations and are hoping to take over the accolade from 2024 Pub of the Year.
From the list, four pubs will be selected to be the final shortlisted venues, which will be announced in October.
The list has been unveiled ahead of the August bank holiday, as CAMRA urges Brits to head down and support their local pub this weekend.
It follows a particularly difficult few years for British pubs, with an estimated eight closing every week.
Some 209 venues were demolished or converted into another use in the first half of 2025, and around 2,250 have closed since the start of 2019.
Factors considered by the competition’s judges include atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity and overall impression.
They also examine each venue’s cask beer, real cider and perry.
Winning pubs in each region have been revealed by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and are shortlisted for the national title of Pub of the Year, which will be announced in January
In East Anglia, Blackfriars Tavern in Great Yarmouth has won the regional competition for the second year running.
The Victorian era boozer first opened in 1865 but was forced to close in 2008, before changing hands in 2011 and reopening after the pandemic in 2021.
As well as its wide range of British ales and cider, it also has a variety of Belgian beers for punters to sample.
In East Central England The Orange Tree in Baldock, Hertfordshire has come out on top.
The Greene King pub is 300 years old and is a cornerstone of the local community, being home to more than ten local clubs and societies.
It is known for its impressive malt whisky and vintage bottled beer collections.
The Burnt Pig in Ilkeston, East Midlands also made the shortlist.
The popular venue opened just ten years ago in 2015 by a local businessman and is home to a collection of historic pub memorabilia.
It has appeared in CAMRA’s annual guides frequently and won Derbyshire pub of the year this year.
In London, The Hope in Carshalton has been crowned the victor of its regional category.
The pub ‘by beer enthusiasts for beer enthusiasts’ is unusual as it has a piano for entertainment, but no TV or fruit machines.
The Cricketers Arms in St Helens, Merseyside, is making a return to the shortlist after winning the highly sought after national title in 2017.
The pub has an on-site award-winning Howzat brewery which produces their own house beers for the pub and other local venues.
In the North East, Durham’s Station house was crowned victorious for the second time after coming second nationally in 2022.
The former furniture shop reopened as a pub in 2015, with beer and cider served by staff from the celler hatch.
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.’
