3 days ago
Historic Oxfordshire pub named the best in the UK
An award-winning historic pub has been named as the best in the UK at an awards ceremony.
The Bull, Charlbury has been crowned the best pub in the UK by industry leading publication Pub & Bar Magazine in its annual awards.
Each year, 100 County Winners are recognised from across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to celebrates the achievements of "pioneering hospitality operators".
READ MORE: Oxford school closes and pupils sent home amid incident
The team behind the Bull at Charlbury are Phil Winser and James Gummer, operating as Public House Group, who also run critically-acclaimed London pubs The Pelican in Notting Hill and The Hero in Maida Vale.
The Bull, Charlbury, on Sheep Street, has been named National Pub of the Year (Image: The Bull) The pair, born in the Cotswolds, are no strangers to accolades for their establishment on the corner of Sheep Street, Charlbury.
⏳ Last Chance! Our Flash Sale ends TONIGHT. 🚨 Don't miss your chance to get trusted local news from Oxford for just £4 for 4 months or 40 per cent off an annual subscription. 🗞️ Subscribe now! #LastChance #CommunityNewshttps://
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) June 25, 2025
With mentions for both gastropub and pub-stay awards by the likes of Estrella Damm and The Times, and even visits from celebrities such as Robbie Williams and Ellen DeGeneres, it is not the first time the pub has captured widespread attention.
The Bull, Charlbury (Image: The Bull Charlbury) A statement from Pub & Bar Magazine said: "It's a pub that is admired and respected by the industry as much as it is by its loyal customers and travelling visitors.
READ MORE: Burst water main in Oxford has water pouring into street
"Run by the Public House Group, which is quickly becoming a visionary leader in the sector, The Bull manages to blend a cherished local pub feel with a premium experience during every visit."
The statement added: "Congratulations to everyone involved in making this standout pub the best in the UK for 2025."
Narrowly missing out on the top title but still shortlisted for the County Winner award were Oxfordshire pubs Double Red Duke, Cotswolds, The Black Horse, Thame, The Nags Head on the Thames, Abingdon, and The Trout Inn, Wolvercote.
