Best Beer Pub - Sponsored by SIBA's Indie Beer Campaign

Blind Jack's, Knaresborough

Run by Christian and Alice Ogley for eight years, Blind Jack’s has hit new levels of trade in the past 12 months following a refurbishment over two floors that brings out the best in a characterful 400-year-old building on Knaresborough’s market square, smartly painted and decorated with a nice line in reclaimed furniture. Following long negotiations with the local council, there’s now seating out the front, too, itself a colourful addition to the townscape with its witty artwork.

Aiming to provide something for everyone, a range of five cask and 10 craft beers on draught are served from its tiny bar, attracting a crowd diverse in age and gender and creating a great community feel. It’s one of those pubs you walk into and immediately feel like one of the regulars. Draught Bass has recently joined the line-up as a permanent cask line, alongside Black Sheep Best Bitter, leaving scope for the remaining pumps to be more adventurous. Don’t be surprised to find a modern pale, a porter or even an American Brown Ale pouring.

Best Community Pub - Sponsored by Square

Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar - Boscombe, Bournemouth

This vibrant pub in Boscombe is making waves as a grassroots music venue and community hub, blending creativity, sustainability and social impact. With colourful décor, friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, the venue offers drinks galore, a great food menu and a garden space that is set to become a licensed wedding venue following a big investment.

The pub hosts live music five nights a week, including the region’s longest-running open mic night every Wednesday, acoustic acts on Tuesdays, and new bands on Thursdays. Acts like Mischa and Blackwall County have gone on to play major festivals and venues, including the O2 Bournemouth. The pub is a shareholder in Music Venue Properties and is applying for an Arts Council grant to upgrade its sound system.

Best Country Pub

The Fleece Inn, Bretforton - Eversham, Worcestershire

Nestled in the heart of Bretforton, Worcestershire, the Fleece Inn is a living, breathing embodiment of everything a great English country pub should be. With its 15th-century charm, roaring fires, and flagstone floors, The Fleece Inn offers an experience steeped in history, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality. Owned by the National Trust and devotedly run by landlord Nigel Smith for more than 21 years, the Fleece Inn is a cultural cornerstone and a community lifeline. Recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for its historic interior and Nigel’s long-standing service, the pub has remained virtually unchanged for over a century, preserving its roots while embracing the future. It’s a place where folklore meets food and tradition meets innovation.

The pub’s look and feel are unmistakable. Low beams, pewter mugs, and historic artefacts create a setting that’s rich in character but never museum-like. It’s alive with laughter, music, and the clink of glasses—a vibrant hub of village life. Whether it’s Morris dancing, cider festivals, or a quiet pint in the orchard garden, the Fleece offers a timeless experience that resonates across generations.

Best Pub for Dogs

The Old Duke, Southport, Merseyside

A haven for pooch lovers and their four-legged companions, the Old Duke was this year’s worthy winner of Best Pub for Dogs. From the moment a dog steps paw through the door, they’re treated like royalty. Staff greet canine visitors with a warm welcome and a selection of treats and toys, ensuring tails start wagging immediately. For those who might have forgotten their pup’s essentials, the pub provides beds and blankets to borrow, making it easy for dogs to settle in comfortably while their humans enjoy a drink or a meal.

One of the standout features of the Marston’s-owned pub is its clever and considerate cone system, designed to help everyone interact with dogs in a safe and respectful way. Each dog is given a coloured cone that corresponds to their temperament - whether they’re shy, friendly, or prefer space. This simple but effective system allows staff, customers and fellow dog owners to understand how best to approach each dog, creating a relaxed and harmonious environment for all. The pub’s dedication to dogs extends to its food and drink offer with a special ‘a la barke’ menu, puppucinos and frozen carrots during the hot weather.

Best Pub for Entertainment

The Keynsham Courtyard, Keynsham, Bristol

The Keynsham Courtyard is a pub that has triumphed over adversity. The future of the pub, located on the stretch between Bristol and Bath, was in doubt before licensee Rob Moore took the keys and turned it into a vibrant hub at the heart of the community. He has taken his own experiences as a musician and built a pub with a clear identity that welcomes all to enjoy a wide array of entertainment throughout the weeks and months.

The jewel in the crown at the little pub that truly packs a punch is the courtyard itself. Major investment over the last 12 months has turned it into a remarkable space with a stage, original artwork, beach huts, plus more heated and covered seating. It is literally the ideal stage for the regular live music events the pub hosts. That investment led to a huge boost in trading over the summer.

Best Pub for Families - Sponsored by Pepsico

Perry Hill Pub, London

Families of all shapes and sizes are welcomed through the doors of this large restored 1920s/30s boozer, standing proud in a residential area between Catford and Sydenham in south east London. From the giant bowl of free dog treats at the entrance and the ‘kids table of fun’ in the dining area, to the over-18s zone in the terraced garden, it’s evident that owner Phil Sutton and his wife Oonagh McCormack are keen for everyone to feel that the Perry Hill Pub is theirs, whether they’re popping in for a pint mid dog-walk; eating a Sunday roast with the family, or enjoying a rare date night.

When acquiring the pub under the Doghouse Pub Company in 2020, Sutton spotted a gap in the market for a local that would appeal to the growing number of families residing nearby and he has made it his mission to cater for them ever since – from the Sweet Child O’Mine parent club offering discounts to members, to the sell-out annual school summer holiday closing party. There’s an inexhaustible list of regular family-friendly events: Baby quizzes for new parents; a cowboy shindig; Caninival dog show; pumpkin carving and trick or treat disco; and a Christmas market and tree sale, to name a few. The pub is also the evacuation spot for two local nurseries.

Best Pub for Food - Sponsored by Arla Pro

The Bull, Charlbury, Chipping Norton

After impressing judges with its unique and luxurious yet accessible food offer, the Bull at Charlbury was the clear winner for the Best Food Pub of the Year at the 2025 Great British Pub Awards (GBPA). Located in the Oxfordshire village of Charlbury, the Bull at Charlbury opened in its current form in July 2023 following an extensive refurbishment by publicans James Gummer and Phil Winse. Part of the Public House Group, which is also known for its London site the Pelican, the pub, which is near Chipping Norton, oozes Cotswold charm and its food offer is central to the pub’s success.

The 16th-century pub with rooms, which has famous neighbours including TV presenter turned publican Jeremy Clarkson, is also easily accessible, just a short train ride from London Paddington and an eight-minute walk from Charlbury station. Boasting Cotswold stone, timbered ceilings, candlelit tables, dark wooden furniture and flagged doors, the Bull provides a warm country pub welcome with staff that are more than happy to guide guests through the menu. Coming in at number 11 on the Top 50 Gastropub’s list, the Bull prides itself on its farm-to-table concept, with a dynamic, adaptable menu and Sally Abe heading up the kitchen.

Best Pub Garden - Sponsored by Diageo

Myrtle Tavern, Leeds, West Yorkshire

The amazing financial and time investment and ongoing innovation over the past year in elevating the Myrtle Tavern’s garden offer even further, saw the pub, which is a Stonegate lease, scoop the title for the second year running. Publican Scott Westlake, supported by his green-fingered family and talented pub team, has transformed the pubs’ car park and field into a vibrant, well zoned outdoor trading space that is central to the pubs’ business and ongoing success.

The team take great pride in tending the garden and adding new features to make it even more special for customers. The two-tiered garden at the Myrtle Tavern, which is located in a conservation area in Leeds, offers a range of attractions and spaces which provide a year-round oasis for a range of ages and occasions. The pub’s upper tier terrace, which accommodates around 120 people, features The Lodge bar, with a wonderful view across a lovely cricket pitch, cosy wooden huts and stunning planting (including lots which are pollinator friendly ). Many of its carefully cultivated plants have wonderful associations to customers.

Best Pub to Watch Sport - Sponsored by TNT Sports

Pinnacle Sports & Games, Leeds

Popular Leeds city centre venue rebranded from Pinnacle Beer & Gin Hall to refocus its identity as a leading sports and social hub now called Pinnacle Sports & Games. Now boasting 17 high-quality screens, 20 draught beer lines and three Sky boxes, the venue caters to fans of football, F1, cricket, rugby and more. Despite its sports focus, it remains inclusive for non-sports visitors, with games like pool, darts and electronic basketball, plus a photobooth and family-friendly hours during school holidays.

Even though the site had plenty of screens, it was not necessarily seen as an out-and-out base for sport fans but that has now changed since its rebrand. The venue has introduced sound zones, allowing different matches to be heard in separate areas, and uses a matrix system to split Sky content across screens. Feedback has driven improvements, including screen upgrades after the last men’s Euro football competition.

Best Sustainable Pub - Sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

The George, Castleton, Hope Valley

Publicans John and Vicky Judson have become waste warriors at the George in Castleton, in the heart of the Peak District, since taking over seven years ago. Their fervent passion for making this traditional pub, which dates back to 1543 and is a BII Sustainability Champion, as sustainable as possible shines through and they are always researching and activating new ways to improve the George’s sustainability initiatives further.

From investing in their waste management system Ecobot ‘Greedy George’, which transforms food waste into a compost additive to help grow wonderful produce for its menus, cultivating seeds for its extensive kitchen garden and no dig allotment in juice cartons or utilising beer line cleaning chemicals for urinal cleaning, the Judsons are an inspiration to other publicans with the practical, accessible practices they have embraced in their business.

Admiral Taverns Pub of the Year

The Gasoline, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

With a unique offer, strong local following and a dynamic licensee at the helm, the Gasoline is a worthy winner of the Great British Pub Awards (GBPA) 2025 Admiral Pub of the Year accolade. An American themed bar located in the heart of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, the Gasoline has been run by Phil Deacon since 2016. It was rebranded from a rock music venue, named the County Music Bar in 2022, after demand for live music in the on-trade dropped post-Covid.

Noting country music’s rising popularity, the operator saw a gap in the market for a more diverse pub offering in the town. Overseen by Deacon, the venue subsequently underwent a complete transformation as part of a joint investment with Admiral Taverns.

Judges praised the Gasoline’s innovation, community engagement, and commitment to delivering a memorable and immersive experience for its patrons. Featuring American memorabilia throughout, the pub still has an established reputation locally for live music but offers a variety of regular entertainment and events, from line dancing to quiz nights plus DJs and live sport.

Greene King Pub of the Year

The Star, Godalming, Surrey

This picture postcard pub, nestled in the pretty Surrey town of Godalming has carved out an impressive name for itself over the years. A strong focus on real ales and cider has netted the business a devoted following with people travelling from far and wide, and a devoted local crowd helps to ensure the pub is always abuzz. The focus on traditional products, including mead has also seen recognition from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) with the pub regularly named as one of the best in the country, and it even brews its own with a nano brewery tucked away in an outbuilding.

Last year saw the pub celebrating a hat-trick of wins from the campaign group - a feat that now means the Star has been named Surrey and Hampshire Borders Cider Pub of the Year for the 11th year on the run. Every square inch of trading space has been maxed out by operators Andy and Emma Mounsey, who have a long history associated with the pub, running it for the past seven years, and having worked there on off for the past few decades, with Andy starting out at 18 behind the bar. The pair have evolved the business over time, investing heavily into developing its rear beer garden, which features retractable covers and a fire pit which ensures the garden remains a popular draw even during the colder winter months.

Marston's Pub of the Year

The Manor House of Whittington, Kinver, Stourbridge

This majestic roadside pub in the south Staffordshire countryside offers guests a high-end upgrade on the traditional mix of hearty pub grub, good beer and a warm welcome. The heart of the site is a 14th century Grade I-listed manor house, which gives the pub its name and creates great visual impact for passing traffic. The Manor House seamlessly merges into a collection of later add-on spaces that successfully give the rest of the pub a more contemporary feel.

There are art deco touches to the light and spacious interior, while the name of the restaurant area’s Blue Room reflects the colour palette of a stunning modern artwork that provides a 360˚ backdrop for diners. The pub has a modern open kitchen and a separate pizza prep area and oven. There are attractive outside spaces both to the front and rear that make it a destination for diners and a welcome stop-off for walkers in the summer months. The rear terrace has a horseshoe arrangement of cosy booths, while a teepee at the foot of the garden offers a bookable space for bigger groups.

Punch Pub of the Year

The Anglesey Arms, Halnaker, Chichester

The Anglesey Arms is a hidden gem in the picturesque village of Halnaker, near Chichester. The West Sussex-based pub is run by Shell and Dom Roberts who both have strong track records working within the managed pub sector. The pub is situated within The Goodwood Estate meaning it benefits from extra trade during local events. But it has a strong core of regulars with many customers being destination diners and the majority of them living within a 10-mile radius of the venue. There are also walkers, local golfers and regular groups that come into the pub.

Food is a core focus for the venue. The eclectic menu offers an elevated dining experience boasting British classics and modern bistro dishes as well as plenty of small plates for nibbles. But this pub doesn’t just focus on food. It has a cosy bar area where people can relax and chat. It serves local and mainstream beers including cask, lagers, ales and no and low.

Star Pub of the Year

The Black Pug, Warwick

Run by experienced multi-site operators Matt and Alex Crowther, this is a little gem of a pub with an absolutely whopping outside space that attracts visitors from miles around. A traditional, warm and cosy warren like interior gives way to a massive pub garden that offers covered seating and an outdoor bar.

Part of a group of pubs with a pug-based theme, a grumble apparently being the collective noun for a group of pugs, the pub is fully dog friendly and has a strong community of pug-enthusiasts visiting. Daily events, with a strong focus on food, make up a strong weekly offer, ranging from Pizza Monday to Taco Tuesday, and special offers see kids getting to eat free on Friday, ensuring the pub remains a popular draw for families. Other popular events include the Pugtoberfest which saw guests get the chance to compete in “traditional” games, such as the sausage toss and stein relay in the pubs extensive rear garden.

Stonegate Group Pub Partners Pub of the Year

The Fox Keston, Greater London

This is a stunning pub with an interior that has been designed with a real focus on comfort, luxury and experience. The Fox Pub & Dining, hidden in the village of Keston, near Bromley, is a new venture from owners Paul and Gail Spencer, who also run the nearby Heathfields Café. Both of them have a background of working in other industries - publishing and interior design – but the lure of hospitality brought them into the pub sector.

They opened in January 2024 after the Fox underwent a massive refurbishment using Gail’s experience as an interior designer. Think plush green and gold with stunning walled prints, a waiting area next to a roaring fire, an exclusive private dining area and comfortable bar.

The restaurant serves a high-quality, freshly prepared menu with seasonal produce. It offers pub classics with a twist to some more interesting, eclectic dishes and where possible it supports other local suppliers and producers. There is also a private dining room with space for 14 people which is proving popular. The bar area has a relaxed environment where customers can enjoy a drink, a snack and can even bring their furry friend.