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[title]The Campaign for Real Ale has announced the winners of its prestigious Pub Design Awards, which recognise the very best standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of UK pubs. Judged by a panel of design experts, three winning pubs from up and down the country have been chosen and five others were either commended or highly commended.
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Us Brits love a good old pub and there’s nothing worse than a local watering hole falling into disrepair – so it’s great to see the efforts to conserve and renovate some of these community classics celebrated. Check out the winners below.
The Vines, Liverpool
The Vines is one of Liverpool’s most historic pubs, built in 1907 to replace a pub that dated back to 1867. Affectionately known as ‘The Big House’ by locals, the Grade II star listed Edwardian building stands proudly on the corner of Lime Street in the city centre and was recently refurbished in 2023. Now it boasts a stunning skylight and loads of original panelling; tired booth seating areas have been redone with smart leather and there’s even a huge stag head popping out of the wall.
Hall & Woodhouse Taplow, Buckinghamshire
Hall & Woodhouse’s new pub sits right on the banks of the Thames near the historic sites of Cliveden House and Windsor Castle. The slick two-storey building takes inspiration from riverside architecture like warehouses and sheds with its massive gable roofs – though a highlight is definitely the massive open terrace where pub-goers can sit outside and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. The greenery isn’t just outside though, with plants aplenty and wildlife-themed art crawling all over the interior. Look up and you’ll find a huge lighting fixture made from a copper brewing vessel hanging from the ceiling: a serious showstopper.
bod Alsager, Cheshire East
Located on Crewe Road near Alsager train station, bod Alsager is Titanic Brewery’s seventh bod café-bar. It was converted into its current set-up from a former solicitors’ office, extending the original space to include a conservatory and adding decking for an outdoor seating area. Exposed brickwork and stained glass also feature, alongside repurposed elements like a fun chandelier made from old Titanic beer bottles.
Kings Arms, Elham
The Kings Arms is set in the historic town of Elham in Kent, looking over the square and towards its medieval church. Serving originally as a grain store in the fifteenth-century, the building turned into a brewery before eventually becoming the pub it is now. The latest renovation introduces a contemporary element to the medieval building while keeping its rustic feel: the interior is mostly wood, using repurposed wine bottles as candles and chandeliers, while the yard area has also been renovated with new benches and chairs alongside a bunch of plants.
Crown Inn, Chislehurst
Looking over the open green space of Chislehurst common, this nineteenth-century pub has been given a modern refurbishment with the interior now taking on a colourful floral theme. Natural light streams into the orangery dining area thanks to a new roof lantern with hanging plants. This light, airy room leads out to a remodelled garden area where visitors can enjoy the surrounding greenery.
The Bell, Tring
Located on Tring high street in Hertfordshire, The Bell was originally a seventeenth-century coaching inn and has recently been given a contemporary makeover. The face of the building has been refreshed in a smart blue-white colourway and the refurbished interior has added a new bar and stylish lights alongside the original wooden roof beams.
Sheep & Penguin, Wells
The derelict ruins of The Mermaid pub which stood on the end of Tucker Street for more than a decade has been reborn as The Sheep & Penguin, transforming the boarded-up building into a clean and classic model. The interior has been done up in sky-blue, complete with matching bar and furniture.
Pipe Makers Arms, Broseley
The Pipe Makers Arms is located near the top of Broseley’s High Street, on the site formerly occupied by the Albion Inn. It has been refurbished under its new name which is a nod to the area’s pipe making heritage. Inside, you’ll be greeted with a warm, cosy feel, with a mix of old furniture, chequered blankets, pillows and rugs.