The best pubs in the UK have been announced as part of CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year (POTY) competition.

The 16 regional finalists will now have a chance to compete for the overall crown. The competition has been on hold over the last two years due to Covid-19 restrictions and was last won by the Bell Inn in Aldworth, Berkshire (pictured) in 2019.

Pubs in the competition are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, cider and perry. The winner will be announced on 30 November.

The 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 prices and a cost of goods crisis.

National coordinator for the competition Andrea Briers 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.”

Regional winners 

Central Southern Bell, Waltham St Lawrence

A classic half-timbered 14th Century pub, bequeathed to the village in 1608 by Sir Ralph Newbury. It doubles as the village local and a quality restaurant, producing exceptionally good food from fresh, seasonal ingredients and promoting real ales from small independent breweries.

East Anglia Kings Head, Norwich

A traditional two-bar city pub which has been a mandatory stop on the Norwich real ale trail since 2005 with its 14 handpumps – mostly serving beers from Norfolk – plus a few selected guests from brewers such as Three Blind Mice, Green Jack, and Derby Brewing.

East Midlands Horse & Jockey, Stapleford

Known locally as the Jockey, this welcoming free house offers a choice of 13 real ales, including at least one mild or stout/porter, five of which are LocAle. A split-level pub with the main bar area featuring sofas and high tables and warmed by a wood burner, the upper seated area has tables and perimeter seating, a fish tank and sports TV.

Greater London Hop Inn, Hornchurch

The Hop Inn micropub is part of a movement aiming to create independent small spaces, free from brewery tie, where local people can enjoy fresh ale and wine in a venue with no lager, no slot machines, TVs and no noisy mobiles.

Greater Manchester Real Crafty, Wigan

A real ale and craft beer emporium in Wigan town centre on the former site of Bar Legion, just five minutes walk from the bus station and 10 from both the town’s train stations. Expect up to five real ales dispensed via handpull, alongside craft beer, cider and perry served from 30 keg fonts.

Kent Larkins Alehouse, Cranbook

A former florist shop is now a long, narrow micropub with a servery at the rear, behind which real ales and ciders are sold on gravity dispense from a temperature-controlled cellar. Prosecco, gin, vodka, fruit juice and local Chapel Down wine are also provided. 

Merseyside and Cheshire Magazine Hotel, New Brighton

This multi-roomed, low-beamed pub, dating from 1759 suffered from a fire in 2010 but has been restored without losing its unique character. The name comes from the fact that it was once used by sailors who were having their outward-bound ships reloaded with munitions.

North East Station House, Durham

A wedge-shaped pub in the shadow of the railway viaduct was opened in 2015 by CAMRA members. It is very friendly, with a back-to-basics approach and an emphasis on conversation. A changing range of beer and cider is served directly through a hatch from the cold room.

Scotland & Northern Ireland  Commercial Inn, Dunfermline

This 19th-century listed building is full of character. Formerly a hotel, it retains the high ceilings and decorative cornice from that period. Another feature of this pub is that it has a spiral staircase which leads down to the lower levels.

South West Pelican Inn, Gloucester

A family-run, traditional ale house. Popular with cyclists, cathedral visitors and fans attending Gloucester rugby home matches. Licensed as an alehouse in the 17th-century, people believe that some of its beams could have come from Drake's ship the Golden Hind. 

Surrey & Sussex  Hornet Alehouse, Chichester

A busy split-level micropub with plenty of standing room at the bar in addition to seating both downstairs and upstairs. The upstairs room has board games as well as hosting quiz nights and monthly meet-the-brewer events. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with tasters available.

Wales Mold Ale House, Mold

Since opening in 2016 this micropub has won many CAMRA awards and gained a strong following based on the sound principles of good beer, fellowship and conversation. It is centrally situated in a Grade II-listed building opposite the town hall and near Daniel Owen Square named after the renowned Welsh novelist and home to Mold Museum and library.

Wessex  Olaf’s Tun Craft Ale Bar, Woolston, Southampton

Converted from a shop in 2016, Olaf's Tun is easily the most popular real ale outlet in Woolston. Many have wondered where the pub's name comes from and there’s a clue is in a large mural on one wall showing a Viking warrior with his longship. Remodelling in 2020 introduced an enclosed cellar room, a more traditional bar and a rustic feel.

West Midlands  Tamworth Tap, Tamworth

An elegant building, which is home to Tamworth Brewing Company and is 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 cafe-style seating to the front. Eight handpulls usually feature one Tamworth ale.

West Pennines Fifteens at St. Annes, Lytham St Annes

A real gem of a pub that is well worth a visit. Check out the vault in this former Lloyd’s Bank. Nine handpumps, of which one is dedicated to always serving a dark beer. This pub was the local Cider Pub of the Year in 2019 and was runner-up for Pub of the Year.

Yorkshire Heaven & Ale, Barnsley

This former old Co-op has had a wonderful conversion into a multi-roomed pub. Three rooms on the ground floor and a function room upstairs. The outside drinking area to the front is popular. The four real ales are from small micro and regional breweries from the whole of the UK but a couple is often local to the area.