It’s no secret that we’re amenable to a tipple or two here in Britain. And it’s not just about the drink itself – the company, the music and the atmosphere are all essential components of the perfect sip. It’s only right that we stay up to date with the best boozers that the country has to offer and right on cue, The Publican Awards have revealed this year’s shortlist of the UK’s best new pubs and bars.
To qualify, venues had to have opened in the past two years as a new build or with substantial redevelopment. 2022’s winner was Cahoots in central London and, with three of the final six based in the capital, it could be that its successor is also a London site. Here’s a breakdown of all the venues in the running.
The Mainwaring Arms is an 1850s pub in the village of Whitmore, Cheshire. Though it’s not technically new, it has recently undergone extensive restoration work to revive the warm character that has seen it win numerous awards in the past. Also in Cheshire, on the grounds of Alderley Park, you’ll find the Churchill Tree pub, the ideal final destination after a wholesome stroll around the estate’s lakes and arboretum.
The controversial BrewDog in Waterloo opened back in summer 2022 and at 26,500 square feet, spanning two floors, it’s quite possibly London’s largest watering hole. It offers a truly wild array of features, including a slide, a florist and a bowling alley. Elsewhere on the list was The Little Scarlet Door in Soho, which apparently aims to bring ‘house party vibes’ to the bar.
The Boleyn Tavern in East Ham is another member of the list that isn’t actually new. It closed in 2020 for renovations and reopened a year later in all its gorgeous Victorian glory. Finally, Heidi’s Bier Bar, in Cardiff is the only nominee not in England. The Oktoberfest and après ski-themed bar operates over three floors and is said to have a ‘Scandi’ feel. The company already has branches in Norway, Finland and Denmark, but this is its first UK venue.
Here’s the full list of six pubs that have been nominated in the ‘best new site’ category at the 2023 Publican Awards:
Mainwaring Arms, Cheshire
The Churchill Tree, Cheshire
Brewdog, Waterloo
Heidi’s Bier Bar, Cardiff
The Boleyn Tavern, East Ham
The Little Scarlet Door, Soho
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