The UK’s most beautiful pubs revealed – with a huge River Thames-front terrace and a ‘beer cafe’
THE UK’s best looking pubs have been revealed by experts who have looked at refurbishments and conservation of beloved boozers across the country.
A list of three overall winners has been produced, along with some others that were highly commended, as part of Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) annual pub design awards.
A panel of experts in both design and conservation looked at the candidates closely to draw up their final list of beautiful pubs.
They compared the standards of architecture and historic conservation of the pubs, as well as the most innovative construction and conversions of new venues.
Taking top spot on their list of winners was The Vines in Liverpool, which was labelled as a “spectacular example” of an historic pub.
CAMRA said: “A full conservation and refurbishment of the interior of this iconic Grade II* listed Edwardian pub has undone years of poor care under the previous management.
“The judges were impressed with the high quality of the restoration, which has brought the building back to life as a spectacular example of historic pub design and craftsmanship.”
Visitors have been equally as impressed with the building’s design as well.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: “What a fantastic pub. Deceptive from the outside but well worth a visit.
“Huge selection of cask ales, reasonably priced, friendly staff, and the building is amazing. Huge dome roof and great architecture.”
Joining The Vines on the list was the bod Alsager in Cheshire.
The former solicitor’s office has been taken over by Titanic Brewery and turned into their latest café bar.
CAMRA liked its use of recycled and re-purposed materials, which including converting the original internal doors into the frontage of a bespoke bar and a chandelier, made from Titanic beer bottles.
They added: “Judges also praised the new light and airy conservatory which supplies a ‘wow’ factor to the bar.”
The third and final winner is the King’s Arms in Elham, which has undergone a makeover, which judges claim improves the building’s ambience.
CAMRA said: “This ancient inn, which has been part of the social life of the village for centuries, has undertaken a creative makeover which has enhanced the atmosphere of the building.
London's best pubs
Sun Travel's Ryan Gray reveals the best pubs to visit in the capital
The Southampton Arms
The best pub in London in my opinion is the Southampton Arms in Kentish town.
The pub serves loads of different locally sourced beers, as well as amazing pub snacks, like homemade scotch eggs and pies, while a joint of roast pork sits on the bar for anyone who wants a sandwich.
Their cheese and chutney rolls are their best offering in my opinion, however, along with their amazing selection of drinks.
On a winter’s day, with the fire roaring, it’s the perfect place to warm up with a few drinks.
The Angel
The Angel in Rotherhithe is a Samuel Smith’s pub that overlooks the Thames from the south.
Its massive beer garden is the perfect place to gaze out over the sights of London while enjoying an affordable Alpine Lager or one of the other delicious beers from the Sam Smith’s range.
The Queen’s Head
A surprisingly affordable place to go for a drink near King’s Cross is the Queen’s Head.
The small traditional pub offers a regularly changing beer menu, British food and live entertainment.
It was opened following a crowdfunding campaign and proudly displays a sign declaring it to be “the best pub in London” which could well be true.
The Coach and Horses
This Soho boozer is where I take visitors from overseas when they want a “proper” British pub experience.
It’s right at the heart of London, but is so much better than most of the chain pubs and overpriced boozers in the city centre.
On certain nights, pianists will sit at the small upright piano propped against the wall and lead punters in singalongs, providing a very unique experience.
“The total internal and external renovation and remodelling has resulted a warm, welcoming and contemporary environment.”
On the “highly commended” list are the Hall & Woodhouse, in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, along with the Crown in Chislehurst.
The former of those is located on the banks of the River Thames and has an expansive outdoor terrace offering amazing views over the local landscape.
The pub is housed in a two-storey building and judges were impressed by the exterior which draws on design themes taken from the sheds and warehouses associated with riverside locations.
Elsewhere, the Crown in Chiselhurst dates back to 1874 and underwent a major 12-week renovation, with care taken to retain its unique character while introducing a more modern look and feel.
Included in that renovation is an airy orangery that now leads out into a remodelled garden area.
CAMRA also recommended the Bell in Tring, the Sheep and Penguin in Wells and the Pipe Makers Arms in Broseley.
Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, Andrew Davison, said: “We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these breathtaking examples of how beautiful UK pubs can be.”
Meanwhile, this pub’s beer garden overlooks three miles of beach.
And this award winning pub claims to have the best beer garden in the country.