The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the 16 finalists in its 2022 Pub of the Year competition. The winner will be revealed on 30th November.
The Bell Inn, Aldworth, current pub of the year. Photograph: CAMRA
The competition has been on hold over the last two years due to Covid restrictions and was last won by the Bell Inn in Aldworth, Berkshire.
Pubs in the competition are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly the quality of live beer, real cider, and perry.
The regional announcement comes as CAMRA closes its Summer of Pub campaign with a final push to encourage pub-going over the long bank holiday weekend and beyond.
CAMRA is urging all pub-goers to support their local after an incredibly difficult few years for the industry. A recent YouGov survey has shown that people are cutting back on the regularity of their pub visits at a time when pubs are facing spiralling energy costs and a cost of goods crisis.
Andrea Briers, national co-ordinator of the Pub of the Year competition, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our beloved pubs as they jump from one crisis to yet another one. The fact that we’re still seeing such shining examples of pub excellence despite these challenges is incredible, and a real testament to these winners.
“I’d encourage everyone to go out and support their local and even seek out these fantastic pubs in your area. They really are the cream of the crop and uphold the very highest standards of what makes a great pub.”
The regional finalists
- Bell, Waltham St Lawrence (Central Southern region)
- King’s Head, Norwich (East Anglia)
- Hop Inn, Hornchurch (Greater London)
- Real Crafty, Wigan (Greater Manchester)
- Larkins Alehouse, Cranbrooke (Kent)
- Magazine Hotel, New Brighton (Merseyside, Cheshire)
- Station House, Durham (North East)
- Commercial Inn, Dunfermline (Scotland and Northern Ireland)
- Pelican Inn, Gloucester (South West)
- Hornet Alehouse, Chichester (Surrey and Sussex)
- Mold Ale House, Mold (Wales)
- Olaf’s Tun Craft Ale Bar, Southampton (Wessex)
- Tamworth Tap, Tamworth (West Midlands)
- Fifteens at St Anne’s, Lytham St Anne’s (West Pennines)
- Heaven and Ale, Barsnley (Yorkshire)
