London’s top pub in 2026, according to beer experts

An independent ‘micropub’ in deepest south London has just been named Greater London Pub of the Year 2026 by beer aficionados at the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA).

The Cockpit opened in 2020 at the back of Roses Florist in Chislehurst, Bromley. The tiny boozer shares its space with the flower shop and deals in cask ale and fine cider. According to CAMRA, the boozer enforces a £1 fine for mobile phone usage and foul language. It also serves local gin and Neal’s Yard cheeses. 

Speaking about the win, Adam Miller, who runs the pub with Paul Steadman, commented: ‘Flabbersmacked we are. Absolutely gobberghasted. Honoured to be rubbing shoulders with such a resplendent arsenal of boozers, let alone to be recognised by CAMRA as top of the pubs for Greater London this year.

‘A sea spanning embrace to everyone that has supported us since opening five years ago, so many of you have invested a titanic amount of enthusiasm into what we love to do, it makes every day a joy.’

The best pubs in London 2026, according to CAMRA

The winner was decided from the 12 Greater London regional winners for 2026, as listed below. Last year’s Greater London winner was The Hope in Carshalton. 

• Bexley – Long Haul
• Bromley – Cockpit
• Croydon & Sutton – Dark Horse
• East London & City – Cock Tavern
• Enfield & Barnet – Little Green Dragon
• Kingston & Leatherhead – Antelope
• North London – Wenlock Arms
• Richmond & Hounslow – Mitre
• South East London – Hand & Marigold
• South West London – Trafalgar
• West London – Bear
• West Middlesex – Owl & The Pussycat

CAMRA has been running its Pub of the Year awards since 1988. Marks are awarded for eight criteria: quality and condition of real ale/cider/perry, promotion and knowledge of real ale, cleanliness and staff hygiene, community focus, service and welcome, style, décor and atmosphere, sympathy with CAMRA’s aims, and overall impression and value.

The UK winner for overall Pub of the Year will be announced later this year. Three London pubs were recently named the most beautiful in the UK, as the Campaign for Real Ale unveiled the winners of the 2026 Pub Design Awards. 

The Cockpit, 4 Royal Parade, Chislehurst, BR7 6NR.

🍻 The greatest pubs in London, according to Time Out.

And the top boozers in all of Britain.

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