Having pub-crawled their way around every corner of the country (someone’s got to do it, hey?), the ale-aficionados over at Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have officially decided on the fortunate finalists of their highly-esteemed National Pub of the Year competition. Back in August, 16 regional winners were crowned, but now those beloved boozers have been whittled down to a final four. And a much-loved London micropub has earnt itself a coveted seat at the table.
The Cockpit, Chislehurst
This small-but-mighty micropub in Chislehurst is one of the chart-topping taverns to have secured a spot in the final. Having swung open its doors (which it happens to share with the local florist) in the height of the pandemic, The Cockpit isn’t even six years old yet – but it seems as though age has been no obstacle for this ‘easy going and chatty pub’.
Serving up a regularly-rotating assortment of cask beers and ciders of the highest quality and condition, The Cockpit sources its selections from an array of small breweries across the country. It’s a pretty perfect place to plonk yourself down for a pint, to be quite honest with you. But be warned, folks – The Cockpit is all for encouraging conversation and connection, and a £1 fine will apparently be enforced if you’re caught using your phone inside.
The Cockpit will now go head to head with the Turks Head in St Helens, the Countryman’s Inn in Hunton, and the competition’s current reigning champ, the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth to nab the title of National Pub of the Year in January.
Andrea Briers, coordinater of CAMRA Pub of the Year, said: “I’m so proud of our final four pubs for 2026. Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, there licensees have not just survived, but thrived. All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe.”
Adam Miller, licensee of The Cockpit, said: ” What boggling news this is to receive! It has caused a frenzy of frenetic jubilation amongst us staff and stalwarts at The Cockpit!
“This is a pub stripped back to basics, where the pristinity of our ales, ciders, food and wine speak to the uncompromising standards of the producers that grace our floorboards, along with our punters’ intangible whimsies seasoning the atmosphere so dotingly, it is a truly treasured environment to serve such a convivial community.
“Thank you to all the stagehands that keep the wheels in motion, both on the jump and behind the curtain, and thank you, CAMRA, for recognising our little boozer with this accreditation; what splendid company to be in.”
