Judging Process

The Great British Pub Awards judging process remains one of the most comprehensive, rigorous and reputable in the industry – ensuring that the awards remain the most respected in the pub trade. Our goal is to ensure that all awards are given fairly and deservedly.

Stage One: The Initial Entry

Stage One consists of an initial entry where entrants can choose their category(s) and provide us with basic information and evidence to support their application. We know pub operators are busy, therefore this stage has been crafted to be as simple as possible. 

Stage Two: Shortlist

All entries will be judged and those that are shortlisted will proceed onto stage two, where they will be asked to provide additional information related to their application. 

Stage Three: Site Visit

Stage Three provides entrants with a chance to really sell their pub and impress one of our judges. The Head Judge from the chosen category will pay a visit to the pub. This is an opportunity to introduce key people in the business and showcase why the pub in question deserves to be a winner.

Stage Four: Final Interviews

And the last stage, the final interviews. This will see each finalist's application and site visit scrutinised by our judging panel - where a winner will be decided!

Words from the winners...

“Winning such a prestigious award brings great attention from every corner of the country and we know, in winning, that we become the custodians of a very special prize and must live up to the high standards expected as a winner of such a coveted award. Our award has helped us shine a great light on the strength of the rural pub in the UK and we are very honoured indeed to have been able to do this for others to follow.”

Winner: Great British Pub of the Year 2023

Tim Bird and Mary Mclaughlin Owners The Cholmondeley Arms

"I've been here for almost 11 years and put so much hard work and money into the business so it's a great feeling for these efforts to pay off. To be up against some of the big companies in the industry and win shows how far we've come as an outlet. I couldn't have been prouder of myself and the team."

Winner: Best Pub to Watch Sport 2023

Justine Bedford The Royal Dyche

"The overall event was amazing. The Rose and Crown also won an award which meant so much to us as a community, local produce suppliers and most of all the staff, who work amazingly hard which is why we won an award. Following on from this the business will only benefit through winning the award."

Winner: Marston's Pub of the Year 2023

Andrew Goodall Owner Rose & Crown

"We won the award in September, just as the garden was starting to wind down after the summer but we have seen a lot of function and wedding bookings come in for this summer - all of which are keen to have a garden party vibe. We are already pretty much fully booked for weddings this year and are now taking bookings for 2025."

Winner: Best Pub Garden 2023

Sarah and Simon Colquhoun The Gaggle of Geese

"We were extremely proud to be able to support our community during such a difficult time last year and receiving this recognition for our efforts was the icing on the cake. In the 4 weeks after opening, we finished 50% up on sales compared with the same period in 2019, demonstrating the impact this investment had on the business."

Winner: Feeding the Community 2020

Phil Davison Owner The Fox at Peasemore

"It was an amazing day. Our team absolutely loved it. We're already thinking of new ideas to get us into the next one!"

Winner: Best Pub for Dogs 2023

Heather Porter-Brandwood The Bellflower

"We were incredibly proud to be recognised by such a prestigious award after the most challenging of periods in our industries history. Winning gave our team a much needed morale boost, our customers drew confidence in knowing that the venue had bounced back to be at the top of its game and agencies such as Arts Council England, The Mayor of London and our local Council were reminded of the vital contribution our venue makes to our diverse community."

Winner: Best Late Night Entertainment Pub 2021

Ken Wright The Phoenix Arts Club