Which Pubs Did CAMRA Name The Best In The UK And Why Is A Skipton Pub So Special

Figuring out where to go for a decent pint can be tricky. But every year, a group of experts helps out by finding the very best pubs in the country. The Campaign for Real Ale, or CAMRA for short, has just announced its top 16 pubs for 2025, and it's a list that gets people talking. After checking out thousands of places, these select few are now in the running for the massive title of CAMRA's overall Pub of the Year. For anyone in Yorkshire, there's some particularly good news, as the region's best pub is just a simple train journey away from Leeds.

So, who are CAMRA and why is this competition a big deal?

Right, let's clear this up. What exactly is CAMRA? Think of them as the superheroes of good beer and great pubs. It's an organisation run by volunteers who are passionate about traditional ales and the pubs that serve them. They've been around for ages, fighting to make sure brilliant local pubs don't disappear and that the quality of beer stays high.

When CAMRA announces its awards, people listen. Getting on their list is a massive stamp of approval. It's not just about having fancy decor; it's about the entire experience. This annual competition is a huge event in the pub world, celebrating the places that are truly at the heart of their communities. These are the pubs that offer a warm welcome to everyone and serve a perfect pint of cask beer every single time.

Yorkshire's champion: a trip to the Beer Engine

The moment everyone in God's Own County was waiting for has arrived. The best pub in Yorkshire for 2025 has been announced, and the honour goes to The Beer Engine in Skipton. And for anyone in Leeds, getting there is a doddle. It's just over half an hour away on the train, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. This isn't the Beer Engine's first time in the spotlight; it actually bagged a silver medal in the Pub of the Year awards back in 2023, so its quality is no secret.

Located near Skipton's lovely canal, it's what's known as a micropub. That just means it's a small, friendly place focused on one thing: serving excellent drinks without any distractions like TVs or fruit machines. It's all about the conversation and the quality of the ale. With six hand-pumps offering a constantly changing selection of ales, plus loads of bottled beers, cans, and wines, there's something for everyone. And yes, they even have a special welcome for well-behaved dogs.

What does it take to be the best pub?

What separates a good pub from the best pub? The judges for the Pub of the Year competition have a strict checklist. They're looking for a fantastic atmosphere, a place that feels just right from the moment a person walks in. The décor, the service, and the overall impression all count. A genuine, warm welcome is an absolute must, as is a feeling of inclusivity, where everyone feels comfortable. But, most importantly, it's all about the quality of the drinks.

The judges are experts in real cider, perry, and especially cask beer. Cask beer is what many call 'real ale'. It's fresh, live beer that finishes maturing in the pub's cellar, giving it a unique flavour that you just don't get from a keg. Serving a perfect pint of cask beer is a real skill. These top 16 pubs have been recognised for their commitment to getting all of these details right, showing real dedication to their local communities.

Andrea Briers, CAMRA's Pub of the Year co-ordinator, shared her thoughts on the fantastic finalists announced this year. She said: "It is a real pleasure to announce this year's top 16 pubs, each of which has demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities. These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special, from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all." She also added, "Achieving this in the face of rising costs and other pressures is no small feat, and we want to see these pubs, and thousands of others like them, continue to thrive.

That's why we're calling on the chancellor to give pubs a fair deal in the Autumn Budget, so they can keep serving their communities for many years to come." The overall winner is a big secret until January 2026, but the final four contenders will be announced this October.

The full list of the UK's top 16 pubs

The competition to be named the best is fierce, and every one of these pubs is a winner in its own right. The list covers the length and breadth of the country, from the East to the West and the South to Scotland. Here are the top 16 pubs that made the shortlist for the Pub of the Year 2025:

• East Anglia: Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
• East Central: Orange Tree, Baldock
• East Midlands: Burnt Pig, Ilkeston
• Greater London: Hope, Carshalton
• Merseyside and Cheshire: Cricketers, St Helens
• North East: Station House, Durham
• North West: Cumberland Inn, Alston
• Northern Ireland: Dog and Duck Inn, Lisbellaw
• Scotland: Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh
• South Central: Bell Inn, Aldworth
• South East: Royston, Broadstairs
• South West: Hole in the Wall, Bodmin
• Wales: Rhos yr Hafod Inn, Llanon
• West Central: Pelican Inn, Gloucester
• West Midlands: Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
• Yorkshire: Beer Engine, Skipton

More than just a pint: a call to support local communities

This list of amazing pubs isn't just a guide to finding a great drink; it's a celebration of the vital role these places play. Pubs are often the glue that holds communities together. They are places for friends to meet, for families to celebrate, and for people to feel connected.

The CAMRA competition shines a light on the hard work and passion that publicans pour into their businesses every single day. The recognition helps these pubs thrive and encourages people to support their local. So, whether it's a trip on a train to Skipton to visit the Beer Engine or a short walk to a local gem, supporting these establishments is more important than ever. The overall winner will be announced next year, but for now, all top 16 pubs deserve a round of applause.