Aside from apologising for things that aren’t our fault and suggesting ‘a nice cup of tea’ as the remedy to – quite literally – any issue; there are very few arts that we Brits have mastered quite as finely as that of the humble pub. And I suppose that’s pretty unsurprisingly considering that there’s over 40,000 of them scattered across the country. But whilst it’s nice to be spoilt for choice sometimes; the sheer abundance of wonderful watering holes does make it rather tricky to know which of them are the best of the bunch. If only there was an official competition to settle the debate around which British boozers are, in fact, the best. Oh, wait…
Each and every year, the alehouse-aficionados over at the National Pub and Bar Awards pub crawl their way across the UK – leaving no beer mat or peanut packet unturned – to uncover the best boozers in the business. Someone’s got to do it, hey?
The annual awards raise a glass to the top-notch taverns that – from start to finish – boast the best customer journeys in the country. Back in April, 252 establishments earnt themselves a comfy spot on the shortlist. That number has now been whittled down, as the 94 county winners have just been announced. 13 of these pubs will go on to be crowned regional winners. And one particularly sensational spot will be named the best pub in the UK. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
The best pub in London (according to the National Pub and Bar Awards)
Which of London’s plethora of pubs has topped the charts this year, I hear you ask? The George in Fitzrovia, of course. This 18th-century, Grade II listed locale was named the best pub in London. No stranger to an accolade; The George’s trophy cabinet is get rather crowded these days. The fancy Fitzrovia establishment was previously named one of London’s best boozers by the Good Food Guide, and was also hailed one of the capital’s poshest pubs by the Times.
Having served as a central hub for the political, cultural, and social goings-on of the 18th century; The George certainly has some stories to tell. It’s cosy and jam-packed with character, making it a spot that’s ever so easy to while away the hours inside. The oak panelling, brass table-tops, and oh-so sophisticated decor certainly contribute to the charm of the place. And the pub’s rather impressive culinary offering certainly adds to its allure; with a menu filled with gourmet pub grub.
The George wasn’t the only London locale to have earnt itself a shoutout, though. Four of the capital’s beloved boozers made it only the National Pub and Bar Awards’s presitigous ‘Industry’s Choice’ list. The Devonshire in Soho topped the list, and the Somers Town Coffee House, the French House, and the Red Lion and Sun all followed closely behind. Not bad, hey?
You can peruse the full list of the National Pub and Bar Awards county winners here.
