The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has named the final shortlist of 16 venues in its national pub of the year competition.
The interior of the current CAMRA pub of the year, the Tamworth Tap
The final four will be announced in October, before the overall winner is announced early 2024.
Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, and overall impression. But most importantly, of course, they are marked on their beer, real cider, and perry quality. Last year’s winner was the Tamworth Tap, in Staffordshire, which has once again reached the final 16.
“I am delighted to announce this year’s final 16 pubs,” said Andrea Briers, co-ordinator for CAMRA’s pub of the year competition. “I would like to congratulate each and every one of them for their hard work against a difficult backdrop for the trade, with increasing energy costs, business rates, and the cost-of-living crisis impacting on people visiting pubs.
“It is testament to the winners that they are facing these challenges head on and they are a shining example to what can be done. I would also like to thank their loyal customers who continue to support them in these difficult times.
“There are thousands of amazing pubs across the country and I would encourage everyone to visit their local and seek out others where they live. Not only will that support local businesses, but pubs play a vital part in communities which we want to both protect, promote and see them thrive.”
The final 16
- Central Southern region: The Butchers Arms, Balscote
- East Anglia: The Endeavour, Chelmsford
- East Midlands: The Horse and Jockey, Stapleford
- Greater London: The Hope, Carshalton
- Greater Manchester: The Fox and Pine, Oldham
- Kent: The Nelson Arms, Tonbridge
- Merseyside, Cheshire: The Turks Head, St Helens
- North East: The GreyHorse, Consett
- Scotland and Northern Ireland: The Hillhead Tavern, Dalgety Bay
- South West: The Halfway House, Pitney
- Surrey and Sussex: The Watchmaker’s Arms, Hove
- Wales: The Magic Dragon Brewery Tap, Wrexham
- Wessex: The Barking Cat Alehouse, Poole
- West Midlands: The Tamworth Tap, Staffordshire
- West Pennines: The Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man
- Yorkshire: The Beer Engine, Skipton
