CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2026 lists 4,500 pubs nationwide

The Campaign for Real Ale released its Good Beer Guide 2026 on September 25, naming thousands of pubs across the UK and adding hundreds of new entries including notable clusters in the North East, the West Midlands and Leicestershire. CAMRA said the 53rd edition features about 4,500 of the country's best beer-serving pubs, selected by volunteer members who score venues on the quality of their cask ale.

CAMRA representatives described each pub included as a testament to the resilience of the nation's public houses, while warning that decisive government action on VAT, National Insurance and other taxes is needed to secure the sector's future. The organisation also emphasised that the guide only lists pubs that serve cask ale and that entries are determined by member scores assessing taste, appearance and aroma.

Regional highlights in the new edition include a strong showing in Tyne and Wear, where 10 pubs from the Sunderland and South Tyneside branch appear. Branch officials gave special mention to the Stags Head in South Shields, which has achieved its 25th appearance in the guide, and to Steps in Washington, which reached its 20th. Newcastle and surrounding areas also saw a...