PUBS and bars from across the country have been named the best in the UK.
The winners are part of the 2024 Great British Pub Awards which each year crowns a litany of this country’s best boozers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Red Lion in Cranford, Northamptonshire[/caption]
The Griffin’s bar in Loughborough, Leicestershire[/caption]
Whether it’s a great garden, an excellent selection of beer or a mean Sunday roast – there are plenty of ways that a local pub can stand out.
The awards recognise everything from the best community pub to the top pub for watching sport.
Read on to find out more about where the UK’s best pubs are – and find out if your local makes the list.
Best Country Pub/Great British Pub of the Year – The Tollemache Arms – Harrington, Northamptonshire
This two-category victor boasts an extensive lip-licking menu offering up everything from sharing platters to handmade pizzas.
Parched punters can sink a pint of lager or glass of bubbly in the establishment’s spacious garden which boasts a gorgeous view of the Northamptonshire countryside.
Best Pub for Beer – The Tamworth Tap – Tamworth, Staffordshire
This local favourite is no stranger to nationwide success.
In January, The Tamworth Tap was crowned the best pub in the country for the second time in a row.
Located in a 16th-Century building, the boozer is only the second to win the prize twice consecutively.
Best Pub for Dogs – No. Twenty9 Bar and Restaurant – Burnham Market, Norfolk
The celebrated boozer and restaurant has only been open for seven years, but has already cemented its spot as a rabidly popular spot.
And man’s best friend will be welcomed in with open arms by the spot’s employees.
Diners can tuck in to their choice of a host of classical British dishes presented in a contemporary style before washing down their grub with a generous glass of wine from the spot’s wide selection.
Best Pub for Entertainment – The Trafalgar Tavern – Greenwich, London
For families parched from a day out or loved up couples unable to get a babysitter in time, The Trafalgar Tavern in south-east London is a superb pick.
The Victorian riverside pub has an eye-catching cobbled outdoor drinking area and even hosts live music nights.
Best Pub for Families – Almondsbury Creative – Almondsbury, Bristol
Foodies across the UK will be eyeing a trip to the sleepy village of Almondsbury to bag a table at this unassuming spot just outside Bristol.
The spot is a great place to bring the kids and serves up a variety of roast dinners, with meat, vegetarian and vegan options all on the menu for famished visitors.
The Cott Inn in Dartington, Devon[/caption]
The Royal Oak’s dining area in Brandon, Warwickshire[/caption]
Entrance to The Swan in Windsor[/caption]
Bull & Swan in Stamford, Lincolnshire[/caption]
Best Pub for Food – Hinds Head – Bray, Berkshire
The boozer was left licking its wounds last year after having to settle for second place in last year’s Best Pub for Food category.
Bray’s laid-back gastropub is owned by chef Heston Blumenthal and has been satisfying diners since its opening thanks to its next level pub classics and comforting British dishes.
Best Pub Garden – Myrtle Tavern – Leeds, West Yorkshire
Passionate pub-goers angling for a last drink beneath the sun’s glare should do a bee line for this beautiful West Yorkshire public house.
The Myrtle Tavern charms locals with its warm atmosphere deservedly nabbed first place for its al fresco experience.
Best Pub to Watch Sport – The Gardeners Arms/Murderers – Norwich, Norfolk
It’s been a busy summer for sport, and as the football season kicks off again, fans will be eager to get the rounds in on matchday.
The busy city centre pub prides itself on always having sport on the googlebox, and boasts some sublime pub grub offerings to sweeten the viewing experience.
Best Sustainable Pub – The Pig’s Head – Clapham, south-west London
Brits looking to reduce their carbon footprint should head to the big smoke to check out The Pig’s Head.
The gaff was certified carbon neutral in April 2023, and prides itself on sourcing products from suppliers with a low environmental impact.
Best Town Pub – Bull & Swan – Stamford, Lincolnshire
The Bull and Swan is a self-styled “gastro” pub with “luxury” rooms and a “beautiful” garden space , according to the watering hle’s website.
Punters can chow down on a hearty portion of fish and chips with mushy peas, curry sauce and tartare sauce; pork schnitzel, Jersey Royal potato salad, caper brown butter; and baked cider mussels with rosemary fries.
Best Community Pub – The Swan – Windsor, Berkshire
Most pubs pride themselves on being pillars of the community.
But The Swan takes the cake – going above and beyond to serve locals and visitors alike.
Beyond revellers who hang around for long stretches, the spot is also a rest stop for strollers, ramblers, hikers, dog walkers, and cyclists.
Admiral Taverns Pub of the Year – The Royal Oak – Brandon, Warwickshire
It’s a welcome win after a challenging 12 months for the pub.
The Royal Oak was forced to close its doors five times in four months during 2023, but has admirably bounced back each time.
Greene King Pub of the Year – The Cott Inn – Dartington, Devon
The Grade II listed 12th century coaching inn has enjoyed a string of wins this year.
The boozer took home the Pub of the Year title and the Pub Garden of the Year prize at the Greene King’s Night of Excellence Awards in June.
Marston’s Pub of the Year – The Griffin – Loughborough, Leicestershire
The Griffin is a versatile spot for locals and is now a proud award-winner.
The pub features myriad framed pictures, TVs showing live sport and a heated beer garden for punters who can’t grab a table inside.
Punch Pub of the Year – The Red Lion – Cranford, Northamptonshire
“As there are more than 1,200 Punch pubs in the UK, to be announced as national finalists is another amazing achievement. While Sonya and I are the licensees, these accolades are very much recognition for our wider team, who do the day to day running under our guidance,” pub chain Greedy Gordons owner Richard Gordon said following the nomination.
“It makes the blood, sweat and tears all worth it and demonstrates that people very much like what we are doing.”
Stonegate Group Pub Partners Pub of the Year – The Gloucester Old Spot – Bristol
Lauded as one of the city’s best-kept secrets, the bight-blue independent boozer will be turning heads following its big win.
“This gorgeous family friendly garden comes to life during the summer months offering a great place to relax and unwind,” the pub’s website states.
The Pig’s Head in Clapham, south-west London[/caption]
Almondsbury Creative in Bristol[/caption]
The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich, south-west London[/caption]
The Myrtle Tavern in Leeds[/caption]
