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Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The most beautiful pubs in Britain: From street corner locals to attractive village beer houses, Camra reveals the UK's best-looking boozers
From an 'industrial chic' refurbishment to a stunning 17th century timber-framed building, these are Britain's most beautiful pubs in which to enjoy a pint. The venues from Suffolk to Staffordshire and Surrey to Norfolk are the winners of the Pub Design Awards 2025 run by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). Judges who are experts in design and conservation highlighted some of the UK's most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs. The winners were the Druid Inn in Gorsedd, North Wales; Borough Beer House in Farnham, Surrey; Forester in Ealing, London; Swan in Stratford St Mary, Suffolk; Bod in Lichfield, Staffordshire; and Peasants' Tavern in North Walsham, Norfolk. Andrew Davison, the judging panel chair, said: 'From inviting street-corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK. 'The craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded.' However, Camra awards committee chair Gary Timmins added that this year's results were 'tinged with sadness' because another winner had to close for good. The Python's Arms in Lyonshall, Herefordshire, was only converted from a 13th century rural farm a year ago, but has now shut due to financial pressures. Here are the winners of each category in the Camra Pub Design Awards 2025: Historic England Conservation Award Winner: Swan in Stratford St Mary, Suffolk 'The Grade II-listed timber-framed pub, believed to date back to the 17th century, has been carefully renovated and conserved by Boudica Inns, owned by Mark and Sophie Dorber. 'A glazed conservatory housing a new bar, servery and dining area has been added to the original building, designed by architects KLH of Ipswich. 'Judges admired how the contemporary design of the large extension, with an exterior finished in steel and glass, made a striking contrast between the older elements of the pub.' New Build Award Winner: Bod in Lichfield, Staffordshire 'Titanic brewery, Stoke-on-Trent has previously won awards for its conversions of existing buildings, but this is the first time that it has created a building from scratch. 'Architect and designer Mark Smith of Mark Smith Design has included several trademark bod design elements in an imaginative and stylish fashion. 'Judges admired the pub's industrial chic design, which makes use of recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes. 'The judging panel felt the new pub was a great addition to Lichfield's beer scene.' Joint winner: Borough Beer House in Farnham, Surrey 'A conversion of the former Bailiff's Hall in the historic Grade II-listed Town Hall Buildings, dating from 1674. 'Owner Mark Curran oversaw the conversion of the former dress shop, sensitively retaining existing features, including beamed ceilings, period fireplaces, wood panelling and a herringbone pattern floor. 'Custom crafted benches have been designed to be in keeping with the historic character of the building.' 'A conversion of a 13th century rural farm building at Penrhos Court, which once housed the Penrhos brewery owned by Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, owners Mark Bentham and Laura Lane have carried out a thorough renovation of this characterful building. Judges praised the rustic décor noting characterful design touches such as the lobby doorhandle shaped in the form of a python.' Refurbishment Award Winner: Druid Inn in Gorsedd, North Wales 'The latest addition to a small group of pubs owned by Pubs, a company set up by Jerry Brunning of Brunning and Price, and his wife Beth. 'Acquired in June 2023 after closure by Thwaites brewery, the Druid reopened in March 2024 after an extensive yet thoughtful renovation. 'Judges praised the refurbishment noting the pub's cosy nooks and crannies, a welcoming central bar, comfortable seating, quirky artwork, soft lighting, roaring fireplaces and a private dining room.' Commended: Peasants' Tavern, North Walsham, Norfolk 'Owner Charlie Holden employed DCP Architecture of Rackheath, Norwich, to design and oversee the refurbishment of the former market tavern. 'The interior has been given a careful make-over, with quality woodwork and furnishings finished in shades of green. Judges noted the use of old maps to relieve what might otherwise have been a rather dark interior as an interesting feature.' Winner: Forester, Ealing, West London 'A Grade II-listed pub featured in CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors, with Edwardian fireplaces, art nouveau-style stained glass and even long-defunct remnants of gas lighting in the public bar. 'Owner Fuller's has carried out a very respectful refurbishment of the building, carefully conserving the historic features, and adding a first-floor function room to enhance the facilities the pub has to offer its community.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars
SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses. The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK. Advertisement 6 The UK's best-looking pubs have been revealed Credit: Camra 6 bod Lichfield was named the best new pub Credit: Camra The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England . Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards "recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added: "From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded." The best new build pub - meaning any that were built in 2024 - was bod Lichfield in Stratford. Advertisement Read more on pubs The "industrial chic design" with "recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes," were praised. It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year. However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk. Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is." When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 6 The Python Arms has sadly since closed Credit: Camra 6 Swan in Suffolk was given a top award Credit: Camra Advertisement Lots of previous guests called it a "gem" of a pub and praised the staff as well. Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good. Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey. Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub. Advertisement 6 The Swan has a great outdoor area as well Credit: Camra However, the Python's Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building. The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties. Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA's Awards Committee adding: "Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells. Advertisement "Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future .' Full list of the UK's best-looking pubs Best new build Winner: bod Lichfield , Staffordshire Best Historic England Conservation Winner: Swan , Stratford St Mary, Suffolk Best conversion to pub use Joint winner: Borough Beer House, Farnham, Surrey Joint winner (now closed): Python's Arms, Lyonshall, Herefordshire Best refurbishment Winner: Druid Inn, Gorsedd, Wales Commended: Peasants' Tavern , North Walsham, Norfolk Best community local Winner: Forester, West Ealing, London The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London. Here are the 6 The Druid Inn in Wales was praised for its refurbishment Credit: Camra Advertisement
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars
And the award-winning pub that has since closed down DRINK IT IN Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses. The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK. 6 The UK's best-looking pubs have been revealed Credit: Camra 6 bod Lichfield was named the best new pub Credit: Camra The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England. Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards "recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added: "From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded." The best new build pub - meaning any that were built in 2024 - was bod Lichfield in Stratford. The "industrial chic design" with "recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes," were praised. It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year. However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk. Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored. One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is." When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 6 The Python Arms has sadly since closed Credit: Camra 6 Swan in Suffolk was given a top award Credit: Camra Lots of previous guests called it a "gem" of a pub and praised the staff as well. Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good. Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey. Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub. 6 The Swan has a great outdoor area as well Credit: Camra However, the Python's Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building. The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties. Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA's Awards Committee adding: "Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells. "Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future.' Full list of the UK's best-looking pubs Best new build Winner: bod Lichfield, Staffordshire Best Historic England Conservation Winner: Swan, Stratford St Mary, Suffolk Best conversion to pub use Joint winner: Borough Beer House, Farnham, Surrey Joint winner (now closed): Python's Arms, Lyonshall, Herefordshire Best refurbishment Winner: Druid Inn, Gorsedd, Wales Commended: Peasants' Tavern, North Walsham, Norfolk Best community local Winner: Forester, West Ealing, London The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London. Here are the winning pubs last year.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars
SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses. The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK. 6 6 The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England. Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards "recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added: "From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded." The best new build pub - meaning any that were built in 2024 - was bod Lichfield in Stratford. The "industrial chic design" with "recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes," were praised. It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year. However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk. Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored. One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is." When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 6 6 Lots of previous guests called it a "gem" of a pub and praised the staff as well. Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good. Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey. Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub. 6 However, the Python's Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building. The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties. Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA's Awards Committee adding: "Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells. "Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future.' The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London. Here are the winning pubs last year. 6
