CAMRA: Top UK pubs named in Pub of the Year hunt

The four pubs still in the running are Drovers Rest in Carlisle, Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield, The Yard of Ale in Broadstairs and Sandford Park Ale House in Cheltenham, after being narrowed down from 16 regional finalists​.

The Kelham Island Tavern is in with a chance of winning National Pub of the Year for a third time, having won in 2008 and 2009, while the Sandford Park Alehouse is the top rated night time attraction on TripAdvisor in Cheltenham.

The Drovers Rest and The Yard of Ale represent the growing micropub sector in the UK.

The Good Beer Guide's editor and Publican's Morning Advertiser​ columnist Roger Protz said: “Being named as one of the super region pubs in Britain is no easy task, and these pubs have worked hard to maintain a high level of calibre that other pubs around the country should look to.”

Pubs are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix, but most importantly – quality of beer. Last year’s winner was The Salutation Inn in Gloucestershire.

The PMA looks at why judges shortlisted the four finalists, and what the achievement means to licensees.

Drovers Rest​

Manager Sandy Williamson said: “We are so stunned and proud of getting to the top 16 pubs in the country and now to the top four, it's almost unbelievable. We bought the Drovers from a brewery two and a half years ago in a basically closed state. So to get to this point in such a short time means so much to us, our community and our local CAMRA branch. We're just a small family run country pub who loves doing what we do. Thank you to everyone.”

Judges’ verdict: “A traditional country pub close to the popular Hadrian's Wall path. Although opened up, the interior still has the feel of three distinct rooms. There's a games room at the back with a pool table, the bar room is cosy and welcoming with a roaring fire in winter and there is a separate dining room. Some interesting historical State Management Scheme documents adorn the walls. The Drovers is very much a pub at the heart of its community. It also has a well-deserved reputation for excellent food and as an oasis for lots of different and sometimes obscure (for the area) real ales.”

Kelham Island Tavern

Manager Trevor Wraith said: “It is an honour to have reached the ‘supreme’ pubs of the top 16 in the national competition again. All we can do is carry on stocking a wide range of well kept cask beers in a clean, friendly and welcoming atmosphere - that seems to be the key.”

Judges’ verdict: “National Pub of the Year 2008 and 2009 are only two of the awards won by this pub. A two roomed freehouse with impressive garden showcasing rare and local microbrewery beers, a stout and porter are always available.”

The Yard of Ale

Owner Ian Nobel said: “This is amazing. Shawn, myself and the Yard of Ale team would like to thank all our customers, also those from CAMRA who voted for us to get to this stage.”

Judges’ verdict: “Alehouse/micropub in a 19th century stable in the village of St Peter's. Serves cask ales, real ciders and locally produced wines along with tea & coffee, handmade pork pies and Kent crisps and cheese.

"The bar floor is made of original cobbles and is often strewn with hay for that stable effect. Outside wooden decked patio drinking area.”

Sandford Park Ale House​ 

Grant Cook, general manager, said: “We were absolutely delighted to win the South West regional section of CAMRA's Pub of the Year. We try to bring a fresh approach to the 21st Century pub and are greatly encouraged by the award. To now hear that we are in the final four is amazing news! It will give us a platform to put on new and interesting quality beer events and also keeps a healthy pressure on us to always live up to our standards of quality, service, atmosphere and value.”

Judges’ verdict: “Opened in April 2013, this smart new alehouse at the far eastern end of High Street, backing on to Sandford Park. U-shaped main bar area wraps around a new timber staircase with a bar billiards table at far end, small front snug room and large south facing beer garden. Up to seven guest ales (with Oakham Ales a feature) with a good selection of ciders and foreign beers. Good range of food available.”