The race to be crowned CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2024 is hotting up, with the 17 national and regional finalists now whittled down to a final four.
Competition co-ordinator Andrea Briers said she could not hope for a better set of finalists.
“It gets harder each year to whittle down the regional and national top 17 pubs to just four places, such is the standard of the competition.
“These fantastic four are the epitome of what a good pub should be — welcoming to all, friendly hardworking staff and serve well maintained cask beer for a wonderful pub-going experience. I am excited to find out which one will be crowned the best pub in the UK.”
She added: “Pubs need our support more than ever, as the licensed trade continues to feel the strain under the burden of unfair tax, high costs and regulations.
“I urge all pub lovers and beer drinkers to experience not only our incredible pub of the year finalists, but support as many pubs as possible.”
The four finalists
The Baileyhead Oswestry
Nestled near the Welsh borders, the pub has one of the largest beer ranges of any in Shropshire, claiming to have sold more than 3,400 different draught brews since opening in March 2016. Six constantly changing cask beers, always including one dark beer, are supplemented by 11 other draught beers, plus four ciders and a perry. The pub also has a substantial range of canned and bottled beers from across the UK and overseas.
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) named the pub the UK’s best rural independent craft beer pub or bar in 2020, and it has been a finalist for the same award many times since. Regular tap takeovers and meet the brewer events, among other activities, are organised for the local community.
The Black Horse, Preston
A visually stunning Victorian grade II listed pub, opposite the historic Preston open market. Most noteworthy is the beautiful semi-circular ceramic bar, tiled walls, and meticulous mosaic flooring throughout the pub.
The Black Horse serves ten cask beers including four changing ones from far and wide, plus a range of ciders. A seating area has been dubbed the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ due to the impressive use of original stained glass.
The Little Green Dragon, Winchmore Hill
A former shop unit, Enfield’s first micropub opened in 2017. Focusing on the quality and diversity of cask beer, the Little Green Dragon has an ever-changing selection of four cask beers sourced from local microbreweries and other independent brewers from further afield, plus real cider, perry, and four keg beers.
Traditional pub games such as table skittles and shove ha’penny are available for pub-goers to play. The Little Green Dragon’s interior features an eclectic range of seating, from wall mounted benches to low sofas, and even repurposed bus seats.
The Three Bs, Bridlington
Run by a husband and wife team who are passionate about beer and cider, the popular micropub is described as “Bridlington’s Real Ale Destination”, showcasing four cask beers with a focus on stocking local Yorkshire-based beers.
The pub is renowned for its excellent customer service, with the staff providing knowledge on the drinks they serve, as well as information for visitors about what they can get up to in the town.
It aims aims to never sell the same beer twice, making for an exciting range of beers at the bar, becoming SIBA’s best city independent craft beer pub or bar finalist in 2021. It was also a CAMRA national cider pub of the year finalist in 2023. At least 10 ciders of varying styles and strengths are served from local suppliers.
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