Pub of the year [Archive] - Pubs Galore Forums

Mobyduck

31-12-2012, 14:14

Has there been a pub of the year thread in the past, couldn't find one which surprises me ,probably not looking hard enough,well if one isn't forthcoming my vote goes to,
The Gunmakers (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23325/)
New to me in 2012,great pub,good Landlord,good interesting beer choice ,and in spot on condition every time.

RogerB

31-12-2012, 15:33

And a few of us know all about the Gunmaker's landlord!

hondo

03-01-2013, 11:03

Al 10000

03-01-2013, 16:36

My pub of the year after a lot of thinking goes to the The Fox & Goose Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/20539/)

Mobyduck

03-01-2013, 17:58

not going to name a pub of the year but will make Nicholson's my chain of the year some excellent examples below
Carpenters Arms (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61174/)
Kenilworth (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/48989/)
Drum & Monkey (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/66641/)
The Haymarket Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/64698/)
I'm not a fan of chain pubs in general ,but Nicholsons do a fair job and have some good pubs on their books ,my favourite is probably
The Black Friar. (http://http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23505/)

oldboots

03-01-2013, 18:27

A fairly hard choice but going through a few contenders this pub really stood out Goodmanham Arms (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/65688/)

PaulOfHorsham

03-01-2013, 21:22

Good thread Moby: been considering this subject myself.

I've enjoyed a few trips to the Snowdrop (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/11017/) in Lewes: a good selection of beer, good food, a friendly welcome and, not least, for the 2nd year running an exceptional beer festival (awaiting 2013's already!).
Closer to home, The Partridge (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/64512/) is everything you'd expect from the Dark Star brewery tap - beer quality is terrific and the pub is thriving.
I'm discounting all of the pubs we visited in Liverpool on the grounds that my memory is a little, er, hazy - probably the passage of time, I expect :whistle:.
A couple of standouts from East Anglian crawls to finish: The Kings Head (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/28536/) in Norwich is a wonderful pub where I could have happily spent the rest of the day. I'm awarding top marks, though, to the Cambridge Blue (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/2552/) - there's several interesting crawls to be had just from a trip up and down the pumps, taps and bottles. All in all, I'm just glad it's not nearer (on the basis that I'd spend all of my time and, indeed, money in there).

Here's hoping the coming year produces a few gems as well :drinkup:.

sheffield hatter

03-01-2013, 21:46

I don't often read or contribute to the Pub of the Month threads, so I can't emulate others in delving back through previous months' posts, but looking through my reviews and ratings for the year just past, the following stand out:

January Queens Head, Hinckley (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/20420/) and Sun Hotel, Coniston (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/61048/)
February Punchbowl, The Green, Millom (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/areas/the-green/cumbria/)
April Wagon & Horses, Braintree (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/11296/)
May Corner Pin, Doncaster (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/33789/)
July Tapping the Admiral, Kentish Town (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/72375/)
September Benleva Hotel, Drumnadrochit (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/67227/), Talbot Inn, Ripley (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7546/) and Shoulder of Mutton, Shirland (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/6609/)
October Talbot Hotel, Settle (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55447/)
November Chequers, Leominster (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14309/)
December Arkwright Arms, Duckmanton (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/6803/) and MoCa Bar, Matlock (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56037/)

Most of these I only visited for a quick drink and then off, so it's difficult to say "that's my pub of the year". I spent a happy hour and a half at the Talbot in Settle, and have made plans to return. For my pub of the year, though, I'm going closer to home for the consistently excellent Blake Hotel (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/43068/) in Walkley, Sheffield. I know it's consistently excellent because I go there on average about once a week. :)

Bucking Fastard

04-01-2013, 09:44

Having scanned through the 2012 POTM threads (thanks Rob for all your work keeping on top of these threads),it became obvious that 2012 was a bumper year for great pubs and any choice for Pub of the Year would be a difficult,first among equals decision.Pleasingly 8 out of 12 of my POTM nominations were within walking distance of a canal and will no doubt receive a revisit in future but the one that sticks in the mind was The Grove (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/42740/),Leeds for the full package of interesting interior,atmosphere, and great ale.

Pubsignman

04-01-2013, 10:39

My top 10 (in the order I visited them) for 2012 is:

Pretty Bricks - Walsall
Arkwright Arms - Duckmanton
Brewery Tap - Chester
Baum - Rochdale
Gallagher’s Pub and Barbers Shop- Birkenhead
New Barrack Tavern - Sheffield
Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty - Heronsgate
Greyhound - Coventry
Crown - Beeston
Lincolnshire Poacher - Nottingham

I think the Crown, Beeston just shades it ahead of the Land of Liberty and Pretty Bricks. All three are pubs that I could happily have spent the whole day in, but the Crown edges it for its fantastic historic interior and the sensitive extention in keeping with the rest of the building. It goes without saying that all ten pubs on the list serve lots and lots of excellent beer.

Crossste

04-01-2013, 11:20

Aqualung

04-01-2013, 21:44

I'm going to stick my neck out here and nominate a pub that has only opened during the latter half of the year and that is the Bell in Walthamstow E17. It's a landmark pub on the junction of Hoe Street and Forest Road (the bus stop is called Bell Corner). It's a magnificent Victorian building quite reminiscent of the William IV in Leyton.

It's been taken over by former Antic people and it is now bare floorboards with a bank of 8 pumps. There are no TV screens at all which is a huge plus for me but they do have live music at weekends.

They still have some way to go as they haven't get their gas supply sorted out which means that food is very limited. I'm hoping that when the gas company gets it's act together then they will be open at 12:00 rather than 16:00 at least at the end of the week.

They do 10% discount for CAMRA members which reduces the price of the beer to just over three quid as opposed to the £3.30 to £3.50 mark.

I've been here twice since it opened and one of the reasons I am happy to nominate it is that it was such a completely dire dump before which I had the misfortune to visit some 15 or more years ago.

The new owners are nice people that believe in what they are doing so I wish them well.

Maldenman

05-01-2013, 09:24

A bit of a toss up between Crown Posada (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/36424/) and The Albion (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54162/) but I think the latter just shades it.

aleandhearty

07-01-2013, 12:46

ETA

07-01-2013, 14:16

My nomination this year is:

Old Bell & Crown (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/59542/)

Strongers

07-01-2013, 14:25

With an honorable mention for The Philharmonic, Liverpool, my favourite pub of the year was The Sussex Arms (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/27848/), Twickenham. Everything that The Duchess of Cambridge (nominated in my worst pub of the year) should be, but isn't.

The Sussex Arms is top of my pubs to visit in 2013, but it’s a bit of a journey from down here in Eastbourne. I’ve been in the King’s Arms around the corner a few times before and after watching rugby at Twickenham. It was the local of a good friend of mine who lives around the corner. Haven’t seen him for years, but he probably now uses the Sussex now if it is that good.

hondo

08-01-2013, 09:07

I am going to plump for the Coopers Tavern, Burton on Trent. Coopers Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/34227/)

I just stumbled across the pub whilst walking into town from the canal on a non-planned day out in Burton.

I came across a few Joules pubs on my travels this year and have been impressed with all of them.

"Joule's Brewery is planning to open a further six pubs"
http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Business/Joule-s-Brewery-to-open-more-pubs-following-1m-investment

Thuck Phat

08-01-2013, 10:21

A few to go at here so, excluding those already mentioned in this thread, the runners and riders are:

The Organ Grinder (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/31061/) - Nottingham. For fabulous Blue Monkey beer.
The Boltmakers Arms (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/40834/) - Keighley. For fabulous TT Landlord.
Far from The Madding Crowd (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/58039/) - Oxford. I agree with Moby, it is like a 'spoons but it had the best beer selection I found in Oxford.
The Shoulder of Mutton (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/58075/) - Wantage. Lovely pub and great beer.
The Treacle Tap (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/74159/) - Macclesfield. The best micropub I've visited so far.
The Marble Arch (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/26061/). For some of the best beer in the world, if not the best.

POTY was The Shoulder of Mutton as it was so unexpectedly good on all fronts. Interesting building, friendly staff and locals, good selection of fine ale and there was a beer festival on when I visited. Top class.

Mobyduck

08-01-2013, 19:09

Far from The Madding Crowd (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/58039/) - Oxford. I agree with Moby, it is like a 'spoons but it had the best beer selection I found in Oxford.
Maybe I was unlucky but I didn't find the beer choice that good on my one and only visit,but even if the choice was excellent it wouldn't have made my POTY, It would need several other factors, i.e, a good ambience ,in the pub itself and across the bar,the setting,not so important but may help the experience, but overall you have to enjoy your visit/visits, none of these happened for me at this pub, I feel I may be in the minority in this case but horses for courses,makes life interesting.

london calling

08-01-2013, 22:59

definitely the Sussex Arms Twickenham for me.i have always enjoyed drinking in Twick and this make it a great destination.

trainman

02-01-2018, 12:00

I couldn't find a more recent version of (PG) pub of the year lists but would welcome a view of your poty, or top-5?
Not sure what mine would be after another year of abject failure to record where I've been or what I've drunk, must try harder...
Visits to Nottingham, Beeston, Stockport, Sheffield, Peterborough, Cambridge, Rugby are some very good beer-town highlights and I was again taken with the latter's Seven Stars (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37232/), great range of beers, ever-present Tiger for my bb pal, friendly service and camra discount. Not saying it would necessarily be my winner, but it's up there...

Pubsignman

02-01-2018, 12:50

My top five this year were:

1) Old Swan Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53681/)
2) Crown Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53526/)
3) Bookshop Alehouse (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/83888/)
4) The Whalebone (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/52688/)
5) Weavers at Park Lane (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/81654/)

The first two were both long-term targets that didn't disappoint, whilst the other three were relatively unknown to me. The Bookshop Alehouse also had the friendliest service of 2017, although honourable mentions to the Orange Tree in Chelmsford and Fairway in Stockport on that front.

Closer to home, Claret & Ale (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/35524/) has had a change of owner this year. They've tweaked the name, spruced the place up a little and improved the consistency of their ale quality, so I've been spending a lot of time in there - my top Greater London pub for 2017.

Aqualung

02-01-2018, 15:46

I going for a single one and it's the Neuadd Arms Hotel (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/45555/https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/45555/). They brew their own old school beers ranging from the 3.6% Irfon Valley cooking bitter to the mighty 10.5% High As A Kite which is based on the old Bass Number One barley wine. I'm staying there a couple of nights this winter and am sort of hoping to get snowed in.

Mobyduck

02-01-2018, 18:37

I've resisted picking the same old favourites that I revisit several times a year and I've quite surprised myself to see four in there from my home county with just the one from London.

1) Wonston Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14200/)
2) Nelsons Head (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54547/)
3) Flowerpots Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/59523/)
4) Phoenix (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14018/)
5) Platform Tavern (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/13844/)

Wittenden

02-01-2018, 19:43

Old favourites and new discoveries, in no particular order:

The Cover Bridge Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/58503/)
Black Dog (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/81509/)
The Falcon (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55335/)
Larkins' Alehouse (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85780/)
The Black Horse (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/65514/)

Aqualung

02-01-2018, 20:16

Mobyduck

03-01-2018, 05:42

I bet you didn't know that Nelsons Head was once a Batemans Pub. It never really took off.

You're right, I didn't.

sheffield hatter

03-01-2018, 11:54

1) The Barley Mow (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/6628/), Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire
2) The Victoria (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/63823/), Great Harwood, Lancashire
3) The Sun (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/29354/), Pickering, North Yorkshire
4) The Old Horse (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/20630/). Leicester
5) The Crown Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55310/), Clunton, Shropshire

Bucking Fastard

03-01-2018, 13:56

Ignoring my usual haunts in London and the South East.

1. Harry's Bar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/60167/),Wakefield
2. The Grove (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/40654/),Huddersfield
3. Station Hotel (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/32757/),Oakengates
4. Ye Olde Vic (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/60123/),Stockport
5. Swan Inn, (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/34296/)Fradley Junction.

Looking back 2017 was a great pub year,hoping 2018 matches up.

ETA

06-01-2018, 07:56

My top five were:

Halfway House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/33020/) , Pidney (near Yeovil)

Past and Present (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/82182/), Gillingham (Kent)

Elephant (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/16038/), Faversham

The Brace of Pheasants (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/60574/), Plush (near Dorchester)

The Man Of Kent (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/16666/) Rochester.

oldboots

06-01-2018, 08:59

Ignoring my locals top five probably would be and in no particular order:

The Blue Bell (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/43505/) York
The Bow Bar (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/48908/) Edinburgh
Falstaff Tavern (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7073/) Derby
Kings Head (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54745/) Bristol
Beacon Hotel (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38292/) Sedgley, nr Dudley

aleandhearty

06-01-2018, 12:15

It's been a poor year for new pubs visited, so three of the five have been nominated before. However, I particularly enjoyed visiting the following:

The Grayston Unity (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/84203/), Halifax.
The Whalebone (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/52688/), Hull.
The Beer Engine (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/81848/), Skipton.
The Old Cock (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/71313/), Otley.
Rat & Ratchet (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/40704/), Huddersfield.

Thuck Phat

11-01-2018, 10:23

Some repeats here but, in no particular order, I thoroughly enjoyed:

Harry's Bar (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/60167/), Wakefield
Fernandes Brewery Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55466/), Wakefield
The Grove (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/40654/), Huddersfield
House of Trembling Madness, (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/72245/) York
Craft Beer Co (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23311/), Leather Lane, London

You wouldn't have to push me very hard to nominate Harry's Bar as Pub of the Year. It's a fantastic spot and we had a great evening there.

aleandhearty

11-01-2018, 11:17

You wouldn't have to push me very hard to nominate Harry's Bar as Pub of the Year. It's a fantastic spot and we had a great evening there.

As luck would have it, I shall be in there tonight. Will raise a glass to you and BF, with something appropriate. :cheers:

Lady Grey

11-01-2018, 14:43

I hope I'm not too late to contribute to this thread?

My pubs of the year -

The Drillmans Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/12511/) Cirencester
The Pelican Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/12616/) Gloucester
Robert Raikes's House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/12640/) Gloucester

sheffield hatter

11-01-2018, 14:54

Robert Raikes's House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/12640/) Gloucester

You should write a review. It's a beautiful building but it was very quiet when I visited in 2013, and ROBCamra had a similar experience.

Lady Grey

11-01-2018, 15:17

The review I've posted is a rehash of one that I submitted to TripAdvisor, so it is more food based than the guidelines of Pubs Galore will probably allow. There is still not much to offer real ale enthusiasts, but they do a lovely bottled bear which I can't remember the name of. :o

I wanted to include The Boat at Ashleworth Gloucester, but since the pub was featured in a list of best riverside pubs in one of the broadsheets last year, they seem to be attracting a rather different clientele!

sheffield hatter

11-01-2018, 15:33

The review I've posted is a rehash of one that I submitted to TripAdvisor, so it is more food based than the guidelines of Pubs Galore will probably allow. There is still not much to offer real ale enthusiasts.

Thanks. That seems suitably enthusiastic for one of your pubs of the year. I think those of us who favour real ale will already know there's none to be had here.