CAMRA West Central Region Announces Pub of the Year Winners for 2026
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) West Central Region is delighted to announce the winners of its prestigious 2026 Pub of the Year Awards, recognising excellence in real ale, cider, hospitality and community pubs across Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
Cider Pub of the Year 2026
The Hoptician, Dursley, Gloucestershire (GL11 4ND)
The Hoptician is an award-winning micropub that opened in May 2024 in the former premises of a local optician – inspiring its distinctive name. The pub serves five carefully selected cask ales alongside an excellent range of locally produced real ciders, offering a warm welcome and an outstanding drinking experience. Presentation at 5pm on 24/10/2026
Club of the Year 2026
Cookley Sports Club, Cookley, Worcestershire (DY10 3RH)
This popular sports and social club combines excellent real ale with first-class facilities. It features a comfortable lounge bar, snooker room and two meeting rooms, while the outdoor terrace offers spectacular views across north Worcestershire. Regular beers from Wye Valley Brewery and Hobsons Brewery are complemented by three changing guest ales. Visitors are welcome as guests, and CAMRA members are admitted on production of a valid membership card. Club members also enjoy discounted bar prices.
Pub of the Year 2026
The Alma, Linton, Herefordshire (HR9 7RY)
Set in an acre of attractive grounds on the edge of the picturesque village of Linton, five miles from Ross-on-Wye, The Alma is a welcoming free house renowned for its excellent beer and friendly atmosphere. The pub features a cosy front bar, rear pool room and wood-panelled restaurant and function room. Freshly prepared pub classics, seasonal specials and bar snacks are served throughout the year. A popular destination for both locals and visitors, The Alma also hosts a programme of professionally organised events and festivals in its extensive grounds. Presentation at 7pm on 27/08/2026
Runner-up – Pub of the Year 2026
The King and Castle, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Located beside Kidderminster’s mainline station, this unique railway-themed bar recreates the atmosphere of a Great Western Railway terminus refreshment room. It serves up to eight cask ales, a selection of traditional still ciders, basket meals, cobs and bar snacks. As the gateway to the Severn Valley Railway, it attracts both railway enthusiasts and real ale lovers alike.
CAMRA West Central Regional Director, Brett Laniosh said:
“These awards recognise some of the very best pubs and clubs in the West Central Region. Each winner has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving quality real ale and cider while providing a welcoming atmosphere and playing an important role in its local community. Congratulations to all our winners and everyone involved.”
Presentation dates and times for each award will be announced shortly and published above.