CAMRA has announced the final four fighting to be crowned its National Pub of the Year 2023.

The fab four pubs are:

Nelson Arms
Tonbridge – Kent

Situated in a quiet residential area within easy walking distance of the railway station and high street, the Nelson serves six to eight beers across a range of styles from both national and local independent breweries. Up to 15 real ciders are also available along with craft keg beers. 

Landlord Matthew Rudd said: “Naturally we’re delighted to reach the final. It’s great for our customers, the team and the community as a whole.

“But most importantly it’s great for the Barden Residents Association, which, in 2018 after a year of closure, put an Asset of Community Value on the pub and fought off the threat of redevelopment.”

CAMRA West Kent branch chair Tony Shea said: “It is such a welcoming pub with fantastic staff and a superb range of ales and ciders. It is an important part of the local community with something to offer for everyone.”

Tamworth Tap
Tamworth (CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2022) – West Midlands

This elegant building is home to Tamworth Brewing Company and its tap, where the cosy upstairs rooms have Tudor features, the historic courtyard beer terrace with striking views of Tamworth Castle and café-style seating at the front. Eight handpulls usually feature one Tamworth ale, the rest from near and far.

Tamworth Tap owners George and Louise Greenaway said: “We’re overwhelmed to have progressed to the final stages of this year’s competition. Achieving this for the second year running makes it all the more special.”

Lichfield Sutton & Tamworth branch pubs officer John Rowling said: “It’s obviously wonderful news that the Tap is once again in the final four – it will be a nail-biting time while we wait to see who comes out on top.

“Last year’s top spot was a marvellous tribute to the passion and effort that owners George and Louise show in making their pub such a fantastic, community-centred place.”

Trafalgar Hotel
Ramsey, Isle of Man – West Pennines

The long-standing real ale pub on the harbour is now owned by Odin brewery and usually serves four of its beers plus two guests. 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 motorcycle race week. The pub is a previous winner of several CAMRA awards.

Owners Rob Storey and Andy Pegge said: “With Steph the landlady and Nikki her daughter, who together run the Traf, we put a lot of effort into the cellar and beer management. They run a great team, and we have very little staff turnover. It’s a real community pub and we do raise a lot for local charities!”

Beer Engine
Skipton – Yorkshire

The Beer Engine is a well-established micropub in a tiny street between the town centre and the canal, with a friendly and welcoming ambience. Six handpumps dispense a range of beers, always including one blonde or pale ale, a dark brew, plus a character beer. Extended in 2022, the bar now includes craft keg fonts. Still and fruit ciders are also on tap alongside a selection of bottled beers, cans and wines. 

Directors Adam Davies and Steven Gregory said: “When we were voted Branch Pub of the Year, we were so happy to get that accolade, and it had never even crossed our minds that we might get further in the competition.

“We just do what we do – serve a range of beer from breweries that we’d love to see if we walked into a pub. That combined with a lovely crowd, our fabulous staff, great conversation and a fantastic atmosphere makes the Beer Engine what it is.”

Keighley & Craven branch chair Colleen Holiday said: “Since Steve and Adam took over the Beer Engine, they have really made it their own, through expanding the beer and cider range and making it the most welcome and inclusive place possible. An absolutely wonderful pub.”

National Pub of the Year coordinator Andrea Briers said: “Each pub holds a special place in their communities and all offer something unique to their customers. 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.” 

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, beer quality. The overall winner will be announced in January 2024.