The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the winners of its Pub Design Awards 2026, celebrating the UK's most visually stunning, lovingly restored, and historically significant pubs. The awards, run in collaboration with Historic England and judged by design and conservation experts, feature categories including the Historic England Conservation Award, Conversion to Pub Use Award, Refurbishment Awards, and Community Local Award.
The Woodman, Birmingham wins Historic England Conservation Award
The Woodman, dating back to 1897, won the Historic England Conservation category for its sensitive restoration by owners Union Inns. The pub was falling into disrepair before being restored with a new wooden floor, carefully cleaned and conserved historic Minton tiling walls, and restored ornate woodwork. CAMRA noted that standing next to the Old Curzon Street Station, set to reopen as part of HS2, the pub will be an impressive first port of call for passengers.
Blue Stoops and St Peter's Tavern share Conversion to Pub Use Award
Blue Stoops in London, housed in the former Kensington Wine Rooms and owned by Jamie Allsopp, was transformed by Relic Interiors and Box Construction. The interior features half-height partitions, glazed screening, new fixed seating, and a striking ceramic bar front with the historic Allsopp's trademark. St Peter's Tavern in Liverpool, a former Roman Catholic church built in 1788, was converted by 1936 Pubco, opening up the galleried interior, restoring historic features, and introducing a 20-metre-long bar counter made from recycled courthouse furniture. New pew seating, glazing, bespoke mirrors, and a courtyard garden were also added.
Leyton Engineer, London wins Refurbishment Award
Leyton Engineer, originally Leyton Town Hall and converted into a pub years ago, underwent an extensive refurbishment by Remarkable Pubs Ltd. CAMRA praised the restoration of historic features such as glazed screens, mosaic and terrazzo floors, and the installation of a new bar back and brass chandeliers, calling it one of the most impressive pub interiors in East London.
Lord Southampton, London wins Community Local Award
Lord Southampton, a street-corner pub in London, had been closed for a long time and was in near-derelict condition when owners Aimee Brown and Phil Harrington took over. Their work included restoring original floorboards and damaged wall-panelling, upgrading the bar area, and commissioning new hand-painted signage. The pub now offers spaces for local groups and is at the heart of its community.
Additional commended pubs
Grand Assembly in Marlow was commended in the Conversion to Pub Use category. European in London and The Green Man in Huntingdon were highly commended in the Refurbishment category, while The Duke of York in London was commended in the same category.
Andrew Davison, chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said: 'Despite the increasing pressure on the hospitality industry, people are still prepared to invest time, money, and energy into pubs and bars. The Pub Design Awards recognise the extraordinary amount of effort, the imagination and design, plus high-quality craftsmanship which have gone into all of these projects.'
Shelly Bentley, awards committee chair, added: 'From striking Art Deco wonders to inviting street corner locals, there are some beautiful pubs across the UK. Next time you are enjoying a pint, take a second to marvel at the skill involved in making these stunning spaces.'
