Local Pub Awards 2025 – All the Winners and What They Mean for You

If you love a good pint and a cozy atmosphere, the Local Pub Awards are the barometer of where the best spots are. 2025 rolled out a fresh batch of winners, and the list reads like a road‑trip through the UK's most welcoming pubs. Below is a straight‑to‑the‑point rundown of the top categories, why the winners earned their medals, and how you can use the list for your next night out.

Top Categories and Their 2025 Winners

The awards focus on a handful of clear‑cut categories. The Best Community Pub went to The Crown in Shrewsbury after locals praised its weekly open‑mic nights and charity drives. In the Best Craft Beer Selection slot, Hops & Barrels in Manchester beat out six other contenders by offering over 50 rotating taps, many from micro‑breweries that only exist in the region.

The Most Family‑Friendly Pub title landed on The Red Lion in Bath, thanks to its dedicated kids’ menu, safe play area, and regular family quiz evenings. For those who chase a story with their drink, the Best Historic Pub was awarded to The Old Ship in Portsmouth, a 16‑th‑century venue that kept its original oak beams and still serves a ‘sailor’s stout’ recipe.

Finally, the overall Pub of the Year went to The Green Dragon in Leeds. Judges highlighted its balance of high‑quality food, rotating local brews, excellent service, and a strong push for sustainability, like using biodegradable straws and sourcing produce within 30 miles.

Why These Awards Matter to You

Beyond the bragging rights, the awards act as a shortcut for anyone hunting a great night out. The winning pubs have already been vetted for atmosphere, quality, and community spirit, so you skip the guesswork. If you’re planning a weekend trip, hitting a few of the 2025 winners guarantees a range of experiences—from historic charm to cutting‑edge craft beer.

Local Pub Awards also shine a light on smaller venues that might not show up on mainstream travel guides. By supporting these places, you keep regional economies vibrant and help preserve unique British pub culture. Many winners have rolled out special discount nights for award‑watchers, so showing up with a print‑out of the winners list can score you a free starter or a half‑price pint.

Lastly, the awards set trends for the next year. Look for more pubs to adopt eco‑friendly practices, expand their beer lists with local brews, and create family‑focused events. If a venue hasn’t made the 2025 list yet, it’s a good sign it’s still catching up, and you might be among the first to discover the next hidden gem.

Planning your next pub crawl? Start with the 2025 winners, add a couple of nearby spots, and you’ve got a solid itinerary without the usual trial‑and‑error. Keep an eye on the upcoming nomination period—your favorite local spot could be next year's champion.