Final four contenders for the UK’s BEST PUB revealed

CAMRA names top four pubs battling it out for Pub of the Year 2026.

CAMRA’s 2026 Pub of the Year competition takes a further step to crowning the winner by whittling down the contenders and today announcing the final four in the running.

Pubs from Merseyside, North Yorkshire, Tamworth and London have been named as the top pubs in the UK, in the race to be the Pub of the Year 2026.

The Turks Head, St Helens, Countryman’s Inn, Hunton, Cockpit, Chislehurst and the Tamworth Tap, Tamworth will now battle it out for the overall crown.

The final four show the very best of UK pubs, with both fresh and familiar faces in the final round this year.

The Turk’s Head has been a previous regional winner, while the Tamworth Tap will be fighting for a record-breaking fourth National Pub of the Year title.

The Countryman’s Inn and Cockpit are first time regional and super-regional winners, with the latter only opening during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Countryman’s Inn is aiming to take home the top prize ten years after a pub less than ten miles away, the George and Dragon, Hudswell, did the same.

The competition is sponsored by CAMRA’s Beer Quality Partner, Avani Solutions, and Technology Partner, ICRTouch.

Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator:

“I’m so proud of our final four pubs for 2026. Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived but thrived. All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe.”

Amanda Thomson, Managing Director, Avani Solutions:

“We’re really thrilled to support CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition and send huge congratulations to all four finalists. Reaching the final is a major achievement in itself, reflecting the hard work and commitment that goes into making a truly great quality pint and, of course a great pub.”