CAMRA has unveiled the winners of its Pub Design Awards, which recognise the most innovative British pub projects. 

There are five winners and four highly commended pubs across categories ranging from refurbishment to new build.

New Build (newly built pubs in 2022)  

Strawberry Thief, Swindon (winner) – an ambitious new-build for Arkell’s brewery in a new development on the edge of Swindon known as Tadpole Village.

Conversion to Pub Use Award  

Turk’s Head, Exeter (winner) – originally an inn for more than 700 years, this property was entirely reconfigured from a pizza restaurant into a pub while keeping its historical character.

bod Matlock, Matlock (highly commended) – a building that originally housed a Boots chemist, which retains its art-deco heritage.

Fourth Fiend, Meltham (highly commended) – a conversion by Three Fiends brewery of a 19th-century school building later used as a Conservative Club. Use of traditional features such as match boarding and different wall finishes gives the impression that a single large space is divided into bar and lounge areas.

Refurbishment

Cadogan Arms, London (winner) – the restoration of the pub sought to recreate the lost early Georgian architectural details and ornate timber panelling of the original building.

George, London (highly commended) – intensive renovation of this pub pays homage to its history as a hub for the political, cultural and social movements of the late 18th century.

Historic England Conservation Award (sponsored by Historic England)

This is given for work which conserves the pub’s architectural features, while updating its facilities. 

Black Lion, London (winner) – a Grade II*-listed property dating back to 1898, with features of special historical interest in the main bar and dining room.

Spread Eagle, London (highly commended) – a pub and hotel that has been sensitively restored to a very high standard, harking back to its glorious hey-day, while being exceeding respectful to the fabric of the building.

Community Local (reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner pub)

Gordon Arms, Bedford (winner) – a neighbourhood hangout which offers great beer and food plus friendly service.

CAMRA awards director Laura Emson said: “We hope beer lovers across the country will seek out these examples of excellence and plan visits whether they are local or just visiting. It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the pub industry, so let’s all support our locals this year and raise a glass to these shining examples in pub excellence.”

Pictured: Cadogan Arms, winner of the Refurbishment Award