Beer-buffs and ale-aficionados of the capital city: assemble. If you like your pubs how you like your avocados and your Hinge dates (as good-looking as possible), then CAMRA (AKA the Campaign for Real Ale) has done you a bit of a favour.
That’s right: the winners of this year’s Pub Design Awards have been revealed and we’re ever-so proud (and a little bit smug) to announce that London is officially home to four of the best-looking pubs in Britain. Yippee!
Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
This much-loved Chelsea spot underwent an ambitious renovation back in 2021, restoring the pub to its former glory, and recreating the lost early-Georgian architectural details of the original building. With a food menu that celebrates the very best of British produce, and a drinks menu full of carefully selected wines, beers and cocktails; there’s plenty of reasons to pay a visit to this King’s Road gem.
298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Plan your visit here.
The George, Fitzrovia
A Grade II Listed pub that also underwent an intensive renovation recently to pay homage to its history as a hub for the political, cultural and social movements of the late 18th century. A pub full of fascinating history and riveting stories from the many locals, travelers and interesting characters that have crossed its threshold over the years.
55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Plan your visit here.
The Black Lion, Kilburn
A Grade II* listed property, dating all the way back to 1898. With architecture which is steeped in history, a menu full of delicious North Indian cuisine, and a truly stunning interior; I’d highly recommend adding The Black Lion to your pubs-i-simply-must-visit lists.
274 Kilburn High Road, NW6 2BY
Plan your visit here.
Spread Eagle, Wandsworth
As a proud Wandsworth resident; I’m feeling pretty darn happy about this one. This gorgeous pub and hotel has been beautifully and respectfully restored; harking back to its glorious hey-day. Cosy interiors, brilliant food and drink, and a truly warm welcome – it’s everything you’d ever want from a traditional British pub, right?
69 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PT
Plan your visit here.
The best-looking pubs in Britain
Although, of course, we’re biased towards the four London-based pubs that got a shoutout, there were in fact nine pubs across Britain that were considered the best-looking in the country. There were five winners and four highly-commended pubs across the five different categories and each are listed here:
New Build Award:
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- Strawberry Thief, Swindon (winner)
Conversion to Pub Use Award:
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- Turk’s Head, Exeter (winner)
- bod Matlock, Matlock (highly commended)
- Fourth Fiend, Meltham (highly commended)
Refurbishment Award:
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- Cadogan Arms, London (winner)
- The George, London (highly commended)
Historic England Conservation Award:
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- Black Lion, London (winner)
- Spread Eagle, London
Community Local Award:
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- Gordon Arms, Bedford (winner)
CAMRA’s Awards Director, Laura Emson, says: “We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these examples of excellence and plan visits to them whether they are local or just visiting. It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the pub industry, so let’s all support our locals this year and raise a glass to these shining examples in pub excellence.”