The best pub in the UK has been named: who is in the running for victory in 2025.

The best pubs in the UK

According to The Sun: The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has published the lists of finalists for the prestigious 'Pub of the Year' awards, with only four outstanding establishments left.

Trip Advisor CAMRA

One of these pubs will be officially recognized as 'Pub of the Year' in January.

The finalists are:

• The Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
• The Pelican Inn, Gloucester
• The Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
• The Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh

These awards aim to celebrate the best pubs in the UK, where atmosphere, design, and the quality of beer, cider, and perry are evaluated.

CAMRA previously announced 16 finalists selected from thousands of applications.

Two finalists, The Tamworth Tap and The Volunteer Arms, have previously won the 'Pub of the Year' award from CAMRA.

The Blackfriars Tavern recently became 'Pub of the Year for Cider and Perry' from CAMRA.

id='6380091222112' data-video-id='6380091222112' data-account='5067014667001' data-player='default' data-usage='cms:WordPress:6.5.7:2.8.6:javascript' data-embed='default' class='video-js' data-application-id='' controls style='width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;'>

This pub is located next to the historic city walls built in the 13th century and specializes in beer produced in East Anglia, as well as in real cider and perry.

The Pelican Inn, established in 1679, has become a popular spot for cyclists, cathedral visitors, and local rugby team fans. It is a Grade II family pub that constantly serves up to 10 types of beer, 12 types of cider, and six types of craft beer.

The Tamworth Tap has won the 'Pub of the Year' title twice in 2022 and 2023, as well as the title of 'Best Pub for Beer' at last year's British Beer Awards.

Trip Advisor Trip Advisor

The Volunteer Arms in Musselburgh has been run by one family for over 160 years. The pub retains a Victorian porch, at the top of which are old barrels.

Here you will also find a large and regularly updated selection of craft beers. In 1998, the pub won the 'Pub of the Year' award from CAMRA and made it to the top four in 2018.

Andrea Briers, the award coordinator for CAMRA, noted that the selection of finalists is always challenging, and it is difficult for judges to narrow down the list to just four.

“These places vividly demonstrate what makes our pubs special to communities and provides them with excellent hospitality,”

She also pointed out the challenges that pubs currently face.

“Every year we see pubs facing new difficulties, and witnessing their success under such circumstances is truly inspiring,”

she added.

CAMRA has urged the Treasury Secretary to provide support to pubs, particularly in the form of reduced VAT, business taxes, and contributions to National Insurance.

According to official data, 209 pubs closed in the first half of the year, bringing the total number of establishments that closed over the last five years to 2283.

These awards highlight the importance of pubs in the cultural and social life of the UK. Despite the numerous challenges they face, these establishments remain centers of communication and relaxation, upholding traditions and communities.

The list of finalists and results of the 'Pub of the Year' awards from CAMRA will confirm once again in a few months how important these establishments are in the lives of communities. The pubs that will be recognized as the best deserve special attention and praise as they support a vibrant atmosphere in their communities.