UK’s most beautiful pubs revealed as historic inns take top honours | UK | News

From painstakingly restored Victorian inns to stunning modern conversions, some of the UK’s finest pubs have emerged.

The winners were announced at the Camra Pub Design Awards, which celebrate the best examples of pub design, restoration and adaptive reuse across the country.

The awards included categories recognizing historic preservation efforts, bar conversions, renovations and community-oriented venues.

Which pub won the conservation award?

The Historic England Preservation Award was awarded to The Woodman in Birmingham, which was recognized for carefully preserving the pub’s historic architectural features.

The pub’s history dates back to 1897, when it was initially operated as a taproom for Ansells Brewery.

A £300,000 refurbishment took place in 2024, restoring the Victorian tile walls and woodwork in the building.

Woodman is located near Old Curzon Street Station, part of the HS2 line expected to open in 2030.

Which pubs were converted from other buildings?

Two pubs were joint winners in the Conversion to Pub Use category, which recognizes buildings not originally designed as pubs, The Sun reports.

Blue Stoops, near London’s Notting Hill Gate Station, was formerly a wine bar before being transformed by Allsopp’s Brewery.

Since its opening, it has received praise for its food and atmosphere.

It shared the prize with Liverpool’s St Peter’s Tavern, a converted Roman Catholic church.

The building retains much of its original interior, including the Lady Chapel and altar.

Which pub refurbishment won the award?

The Leyton Engineer in London has won the Renovation Award following a major overhaul.

The pub first opened as a pop-up venue when it took over Leyton Town Hall during the 2012 Olympics.

It later reopened in 2024 after a significant redesign.

Which pub was voted best local community?

The Local Community Award went to Lord Southampton in London, which was praised for its role as a hub for local groups and activities.

What did the jury say about the awards?

Camra Pub Design Awards jury chairman Andrew Davison said pubs continue to play an important role in communities.

He said: “In these troubled times, pubs still play an important role in our communities and those who work to maintain, repair and renew them should rightly be applauded.

“The Pub Design Awards recognize the extraordinary effort, imagination, design as well as high quality workmanship that has gone into all these projects.”

Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, co-CEOs of Historic England, said pubs remained important historical and social spaces.

They said: “Pubs continue to be cherished historic places for people across the country.

“Each pub is unique and tells the story of the community in which they are located and continue to serve.”