4 days ago
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.'
