The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the four finalists in its national Pub of the Year competition.
All the pubs in the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and, most importantly, quality of beer. The overall winner will be announced in January.
“Each pub holds a special place in their community and all offer something unique to their customers,” said competition co-ordinator Andrea Briers. “Pubs across the UK have faced many challenges, so it is wonderful to be able to recognise and celebrate the amazing pubs we have and to see them thrive.
“It was a very difficult job this year to whittle entries down to our fabulous four. Each finalist was scored against a range of criteria, with all strongly demonstrating what a good pub should be: warm, welcoming, amazing service, and all serving a fantastic range of beers.
“I look forward to the next phase as they enter the final stage of their journey and compete to be crowned the best pub in the UK.”
The finalists
Nelson Arms, Tonbridge, Kent
Situated in a quiet residential area, within easy walking distance of the railway station and high street. A range of six to eight beers across a range of styles, representing national and local independent breweries, is usually served. Up to 15 real ciders are also available, along with craft keg beers.
Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
An elegant building, home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap. The cosy upstairs rooms have Tudor features, the historic courtyard beer terrace to the rear offers striking views of Tamworth Castle, and there is café-style seating to the front. Eight handpumps usually feature one Tamworth ale, the rest from near and far. Various snacks are offered, plus a wide range of ciders, gins, wines and bottled beers. The current CAMRA Pub of the Year.
Trafalgar Hotel, Ramsey, Isle of Man
A long-standing real ale pub on the harbour, now owned by Odin Brewery and usually serving four of the brewery’s beers, plus two guest ales. There are unobtrusive TVs showing sport, and outside is a small area of wooden bench seating that overlooks the harbour. Friendly, welcoming, and always busy, it is particularly popular during the TT motorbike race week. The pub is a previous winner of several CAMRA awards.
The Beer Engine, Skipton
A well-established micropub in a tiny street between the town centre and the canal, with a friendly and welcoming ambience. Six handpumps dispense varying beers, always including one blonde or pale ale and one dark brew, plus a character beer. Extended in 2022, the bar now includes craft keg fonts. A still cider and a fruit cider are also on tap, alongside a selection of bottled beers, cans, and wines.
