The competition to be named CAMRA’s cream of the crop in the prestigious National Pub of the Year 2025 competition is hotting up with just four pubs remaining after months of rigorous judging.
The four fantastic finalists will now battle it out to claim the overall Pub of the Year title, the Campaign’s biggest award and one of the highest accolades a UK pub can win.
The final round of judging is now underway with the result set to be revealed at the start of 2026. Two former CAMRA Pub of the Year winners are in the running, along with this year’s Cider and Perry Pub of the Year.
Beating thousands of entries and showcasing their commitment to quality and their communities, they have been judged on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry. – CAMRA Press Release
Mike Hall, licensee of the Pelican said:
“Never did I dare hope that the Pelican Inn would be recognised as one of the top four pubs in the country. It’s been a joyous journey for me and my family, building the pub up from a poor trading position. The plan from day one was to make it a relevant part of the community and a beacon for real ale fans to find. The fact that it’s evolved into something so far beyond our own ambitions is the warmest of feelings. Our greatest strength is the support offered to us by Wye Valley Brewery, we showcase all of their beers but with a flexibility to offer a broader choice of beers than their portfolio alone. It’s a simple, traditional public house with a clear vision and fabulous, fabulous beer. This honour will stay with me always.”