As the closing date for entries in CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards approaches, the competition’s role in celebrating the work which is key to the protection and reinvigoration of UK pubs is more important than ever.

Chair of the judging panel Andrew Davison believes this work helps safeguard pubs for the future, giving consumers more places to visit, and providing vital community facilities.

“Pubs across the UK are undertaking high-quality and innovative architectural work. This is at a time when the wider industry is facing severe challenges, from the cost of living, the shadow of the pandemic still hanging over us, and soaring costs. The work being undertaken is vital to protect, celebrate and reinvigorate pubs.

“By highlighting pubs which have undergone unique and impressive transformations, we can encourage more people to visit them, both local communities and people with an interest in beautiful buildings. The awards also inspire others across the country to think about what can be achieved.

“You can see the outstanding achievements owners and architects have realised with vision, inspiration and determination. This deserves to be publicised, celebrated and honoured.”

People are now being encouraged to nominate the most impressive examples of recent work to pubs – whether an outstanding refurbishment, a clever conversion or the construction of an entirely new pub.  

Andrew added: “The awards are a wonderful opportunity for proud owners and managers to showcase the flair, originality and quality of design and delivery that they have put into their pubs. Each of our winners have a story to tell, all underpinned with examples of people’s dedication. Whether a brand-new pub, or one restored to reflect its rich history and heritage, CAMRA wants to hear from you.”  

There are five categories, and pubs can be entered for one or more award: 

– new build: for newly built pubs, whether reflecting traditional design or modern

– conversion to pub use: outstanding conversions of buildings which were built for other purposes

– refurbishment: an award for flair, quality and originality in pub renovation

– Historic England conservation: sponsored by HE, this award is given for work which conserves what is good in the pub while upgrading its facilities to give it a viable future

– community local: reserved for outstanding refurbishments of street-corner locals.

To be eligible for the awards, which are open to all UK pubs, work needs to have been completed between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023. 

The competition is free to enter and closes on 19 November. To enter and see examples of previous winners, visit: https://camra.org.uk/what-we-do/pub-design-awards/ 

Pictured: refurbishment award winner 2023, Cadogan Arms, London.