The shortlist of four includes the Station House in Durham, which was opened by CAMRA members in 2015.
The wedge-shaped pub is in the shadow of the railway viaduct and offers a changing range of beer and cider with a dark beer always on tap.
Another finalist is the Horse & Jockey in Stapleford, Nottingham. This freehouse boasts 13 real ales including at least one dark beer and five are brewed locally. It also is home to a wood burner, sports TV alongside light music often including occasional bands and a weekly pub quiz.
In addition, the King’s Head in Norwich is also in the final four. The pub is a traditional two-bar city venue, which has been a mandatory stop on the Norwich real ale trail since 2005 and serves up to 12 beers, mostly from Norfolk breweries.
Furthermore, one of this year’s Great British Pub Award winners the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth also made the shortlist. The 16th century, part Tudor building is in the shadow of the castle.
It features eight handpulls usually including one Tamworth ale. There is also a ‘CAMRA corner’ at the bottom of the stairs that has a rare, complete set of Good Beer Guides. The pub is host to themed events such as beer tasting and ‘paint and sip’ sessions.
Judging criteria
All pubs in the competition were chosen by CAMRA volunteers and were judged on a variety of criteria.
This included atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix and quality of beer.
The four finalists will go on to have to change to take the title of National Pub of the Year 2022, which will be revealed in January next year.
Huge honour
Due Covid restrictions, the competition has been on hold for the past two years but it was last won by the Bell Inn, Aldworth in Berkshire in 2019.
The shortlisted pubs will be presented with their awards at local events over the coming weeks, CAMRA said.
National Pub of the Year co-ordinator Andrea Briers said: “All the pubs should be very proud of themselves for reaching this stage in the competition.
“It is a huge honour to be considered one of the top four pubs in the country. While each of them offers something unique to visitors, they all share the foundation of what makes a great pub – a warm and welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and a fantastic range of beers.”