Latest news with #PubDesignAwards2025
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This is officially the most beautiful pub in London
It's what you've all been waiting for, yes, it's CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025! Celebrating 'the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK', one London pub scored big in the awards. Congratulations to The Forester in Ealing, which won the 'Community Local' category. The award was judged by design and conservation experts, and are run alongside the good people of Historic England to 'highlight both the importance and vulnerability of pub architecture'. The Community Local category is all about outstanding renovation of street-corner pubs, a Fuller's pub, the Forester won because of its 'respectful refurbishment' of its Edwardian fireplaces and Art Nouveau-style stained glass. Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, commented: 'The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation. 'From inviting streetcorner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings.' The Forester, 2 Leighton Road, Ealing, W13 9EP. The best pubs in London, according to Time Out.
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Leader Live
The Druid Inn: Food at award-winning Flintshire pub
The much-loved Druid Inn, located in the quiet little village of Gorsedd, was crowned the winner in the 'refurbishment' category of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025. After closing down in June 2023, it was announced a month later that Jerry Brunning had purchased the historic Druid Inn, at Gorsedd near Holywell, for his Pubs Ltd group. General manager Ray Faulder-Jones then stepped in to the role early last year before the pub - rumoured to date back to the 12th century - re-opened during in March 2024. Now, one year on, the venue has become a vital community hub offering plenty of events and great food for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. As soon as I entered the Druid Inn, it was clear to see that it offers a cosy environment to its guests and, I have to say also, that staff members were very welcoming and attentive from the moment I stepped through the door. I attended at around midday (having not done my usual of checking the menu beforehand!), so I was met with a surprise. I'm your standard burger and chips/fish and chips man for the most part, but I thought I would go with something more adventurous this time around. The candle-lit table for one was set and I noticed that there was also a brochure for the upcoming events at the pub also neatly tucked away on the table, again displaying the team's care for its community. So, as I read about upcoming BBQ's and Beer and Cider Festival, I also made my choice of what I was going to eat. For my starter, I opted for the wild mushroom and pearl barley risotto, with truffle oil and crispy onions (£9). This reporter enjoyed a quiet meal for one at the Druid Inn! (Image: Newsquest) While, as I said, this was perhaps something I would not often go for, I very much enjoyed it. For what was deemed as a starter, it was a more-than-generously sized portion that was full of flavour and the onions added a crispy twist to the delicateness of the risotto. To accompany it, I had an ever-reliable Wrexham Lager - but for the true ale lovers there is a vast array of great dark and pale ale options to enjoy, and, of course, plenty of whisky, gins, wines and more to quench a guest's thirst also. RELATED READING For the main meal, I ordered the wild garlic gnocchi, with heritage tomatoes, summer vegetable fricassee and marinated feta (£17). The gnocchi itself was absolutely delicious and the tomatoes accompanied it very well to offer up a taste sensation. The vegetable fricassee in which it sat was also a delight and the feta topped off what was a wonderfully unique dish. The main meal at the Druid Inn. (Image: Newsquest) It's worth pointing out that, although I enjoyed a meat free feast this time around, there are also plenty of traditional pub dishes on offer from steak and ale pie to beer battered haddock. The two dishes I enjoyed were filling enough for me to skip dessert - but there are plenty of delights in that respect too, including a heavenly-sounding chocolate and almond cake with salted caramel ice cream. As I paid for the bill, I was also handed a mini slice of home-made flapjack, which was a nice touch and, once again, lovely. I enjoyed my short stay at what was a memorable venue all around, from the pub itself to the staff who made me feel welcome. With regular Sunday morning strolls, farmers markets and live music options on offer, it's fair to say that the Druid Inn has become a home for the community in Gorsedd. And it's national recognition this week is fully deserved too. Long may their success continue.
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Druid Inn, Gorsedd: Team react to winning CAMRA award
After closing down in June 2023, it was announced a month later that Jerry Brunning had purchased the historic Druid Inn, at Gorsedd near Holywell, for his Pubs Ltd group. General manager Ray Faulder-Jones then stepped in to the role early last year before the pub - rumoured to date back to the 12th century - re-opened during in March 2024. Now, one year on, the venue has become a vital community hub offering plenty of events and great food for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. And, the Druid Inn's popularity has been proven once more this week with the news that it was the winner in the 'refurbishment' category of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025. The Druid Inn at Gorsedd. (Image: CAMRA) The competition celebrates some of the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK. Judges praised the pub's extensive, but thoughtful, refurbishment noting the pub's cosy nooks and crannies, a welcoming central bar, comfortable seating, quirky artwork, soft lighting, roaring fireplaces and a private dining room. TOP STORIES Speaking after the win, Druid Inn general manager Ray Faulder-Jones said the team was 'thrilled to have won the award'. He added; "It's a great achievement! Jerry (Brunning) has been designing pubs for 40 years and he simply knows what he likes. He likes using reclaimed materials to give his pubs that comfortable lived in feeling. Druid Inn general manager Ray Faulder-Jones (second from left) collecting the award from CAMRA officials. (Image: CAMRA) "My team and I love working in The Druid, it just feels homely. "The refurbishment was extensive yet considerate to the building. "Our cosy nooks and cranny's are perfect for intimate dining or a quite drink, yet the way it's designed means that you can easily see everything that's going on across the rest of the pub.'
Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Gorsedd: Druid Inn voted one of UK's best-looking pubs
A FLINTSHIRE venue has officially been ranked as one of the 'best-looking' pubs in the UK. After closing down in June 2023, it was announced a month later that Jerry Brunning had purchased the historic Druid Inn, at Gorsedd near Holywell, for his Pubs Ltd group. General manager Ray Faulder-Jones then stepped in to the role early last year before the pub - rumoured to date back to the 12th century - re-opened during in March 2024. Now, one year on, the venue has become a vital community hub offering plenty of events and great food for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. And that popularity has been cemented once more as the pub has this week been announced as the winner in the 'refurbishment' category of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025. The competition celebrates some of the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK. Judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, the awards highlight both the importance and vulnerability of pub architecture, from ornate Victorian gin palaces to imaginative contemporary spaces. The Refurbishment category rewards the best refurbishment of an existing pub building, ranging from a complete gutting to enhancing the design of what was originally in the pub. Judges praised this extensive, but thoughtful, refurbishment noting the pub's cosy nooks and crannies, a welcoming central bar, comfortable seating, quirky artwork, soft lighting, roaring fireplaces and a private dining room. TOP STORIES TODAY Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said: 'The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation. "From inviting streetcorner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. "I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings." Click on the gallery above to see pictures of the Druid Inn.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Britain's most beautiful pubs 2025 from historic beer houses to cosy village bars
SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses. The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK. Advertisement 6 The UK's best-looking pubs have been revealed Credit: Camra 6 bod Lichfield was named the best new pub Credit: Camra The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England . Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards "recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added: "From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded." The best new build pub - meaning any that were built in 2024 - was bod Lichfield in Stratford. Advertisement Read more on pubs The "industrial chic design" with "recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes," were praised. It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year. However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk. Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive One person wrote on Tripadvisor: "Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is." When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 6 The Python Arms has sadly since closed Credit: Camra 6 Swan in Suffolk was given a top award Credit: Camra Advertisement Lots of previous guests called it a "gem" of a pub and praised the staff as well. Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good. Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey. Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub. Advertisement 6 The Swan has a great outdoor area as well Credit: Camra However, the Python's Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building. The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties. Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA's Awards Committee adding: "Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells. Advertisement "Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future .' Full list of the UK's best-looking pubs Best new build Winner: bod Lichfield , Staffordshire Best Historic England Conservation Winner: Swan , Stratford St Mary, Suffolk Best conversion to pub use Joint winner: Borough Beer House, Farnham, Surrey Joint winner (now closed): Python's Arms, Lyonshall, Herefordshire Best refurbishment Winner: Druid Inn, Gorsedd, Wales Commended: Peasants' Tavern , North Walsham, Norfolk Best community local Winner: Forester, West Ealing, London The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London. Here are the 6 The Druid Inn in Wales was praised for its refurbishment Credit: Camra Advertisement
