No one does pubs quite like the UK. They’re our prized possessions, our national emblems, our treasured institutions. Among this country’s thousands of historic traditional boozers and swanky new gastropubs we’ve got some absolute beauties. And thanks to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub Design Awards, we now know which pubs are officially the country’s most gorgeous.
Each year, the awards recognise British venues for their innovative architecture, design and conservation. They have five categories: new build, community local, conservation, conversion and refurbishment. So without further ado, check out these stunning ten-out-of-tens.
Strawberry Thief in Swindon was voted the best newly built pub of the year, having opened in June 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. With its stunning barn-style interior, towering ceilings and huge beer garden (complete with huts), judges called this pub an ‘ambitious’ build.
The winner of the conversion to pub use category was Exeter’s Turks Head. This was an inn for over seven centuries and then a pizza restaurant before becoming a functional pub, maintaining its historic character.
In the refurbishment category, the Cadogan Arms in south west London bagged first prize. The beloved Chelsea venue reopened its doors in 2021 following a ‘renovation that pays homage to two centuries spent serving the local community’.
Following as the winner of the Historic England Conservation category was the Grade II-listed Black Lion in Kilburn, London. Dating back to 1898, CAMRA listed this institution as having a pub interior of national importance and was recognised for how it has combined its historic architectural features with up to date facilities.
And finally, the winner of the community local award (which according to CAMRA is ‘reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner locals’) was the Gordon Arms in Bedford. This one also won CAMRA’s ‘most improved pub’ accolade last year.
Here's the full list of winners and highly commended pubs from CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2023:
Historic England Award for Conversation
Winner: Black Lion, London
Highly commended: Spread Eagle, London
Refurbishment Award
Winner: Cadogan Arms, London
Highly commended: The George, London
New Build Award
Winner: Strawberry Thief, Swindon
The Community Local Award
Winner: Gordon Arms, Bedford
Conversion to Pub Use Award
Winner: Turks Head, Exeter
Highly commended: bod Matlock, Matlock and Fourth Fiend, Meltham
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