Tue. Jun 10th, 2025
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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.

Brick building with arched entrance and windows, Borough Beer House sign.

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The UK’s best-looking pubs have been revealedCredit: Camra
Industrial-chic bar interior with wooden bar, checkered floor, and hanging lights.

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bod Lichfield was named the best new pubCredit: 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
Python's Arms pub in Lyonshall, Herefordshire.

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The Python Arms has sadly since closedCredit: Camra
Long wooden bar with liquor shelves and taps.

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Swan in Suffolk was given a top awardCredit: 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.

Outdoor patio area of a pub with a modern glass extension and traditional building.

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The Swan has a great outdoor area as wellCredit: 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.

Druid Inn pub sign and building in Gorsedd, Wales.

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The Druid Inn in Wales was praised for its refurbishmentCredit: Camra

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