The UK’s finest pub for cider in 2026, according to drinking experts

There are few things that get us in an autumnal mood quite like hunkering down in a cosy boozer with a chilled glass brimming with amber cider. The appley drink is a favourite British beverage for a reason, and we’ve just found out where the best spot in the country is for a pint of the good stuff.

Beer experts at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), have just announced the nation”s best boozer for cider and perry is The Hoptician in Dursley, Gloucestershire. The recently-opened microbrewery fought off three other finalists including That Beer Place in Chester, which won the same accolade in 2024.

The Hotpician was born in 2024 when Kirsty Farmer and her partner Kevin transformed a former optician’s shop into a microbrewery. CAMRA said it’s earned a rep thanks to locally-sourced cider and a ‘lovely quirky style’, as well as for having five cask beers, cinema seats, vintage arcade game and record player. The Hotpician is, like many pubs, also a community hub with DJ and open mic nights, as well as a weekly quiz night for charity. 

Kirsty Farmer, licensee of The Hoptician, said: ‘We are immensely grateful and honoured to have received such a high accolade after just two and a half years. It really is down to the amazing community in Dursley for all their continued support.

‘We think it’s a privilege to be part of a positive story in the hospitality industry at this time when pubs are closing and struggling.’

Sarah Newson, National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year co-ordinator, said: ‘[The Hoptician] provides a showcase for quality real cider and perry, with local producers at the forefront. All wrapped up in a lovely quirky style, it’s very friendly to all, and it is a real asset to the local community, where it is much appreciated and very popular.’

The other Cider Pub of the Year finalists were The Albert Tavern in Freuchie and The Black Horse in Rampton. Last year the Blackfriars Tavern in Great Yarmouth won top spot in the category.

Plus, find out which pub in London CAMRA deemed the cream of the crop.

Here are the top boozers in all of Britain.

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