Britain's pubs are in crisis - and need our support! From centuries-old inns to quirky seaside boozers, here are some of the very best to visit

The great British pub is facing a fight for survival. From cosy locals and centuries-old inns to bustling beer gardens, these much-loved institutions are under mounting pressure – with around one closing every day.One former landlord has delivered a stark verdict on the industry’s struggles, blaming everything from cheap supermarket booze to nights spent on the sofa in front of the television.Patrick Hughes, 66, has stepped down after just a year behind the bar at The Royal Mail Cart in Spalding, concluding there was ‘no market’ for a pub any more.‘These days people are used to staying at home, watching TV, having cheap drink from the supermarket or off licence and getting food deliveries,’ he told the BBC.The economics make for sobering reading. Mr Hughes said a pub like his needed to take £12,000 a week to be viable. Even when takings reached around £8,000, the business struggled – and roadworks outside the premises dealt a further blow.His experience reflects a wider crisis facing Britain’s pub trade. The British Beer and Pub Association has warned that pubs are disappearing at a rate of around one a day, with more than 5,000 job losses expected by the end of the year.There are efforts to ease the pressure. Andy Burnham has promised a 20 per cent cut in business rates for pubs in England from next year, but with another Budget looming, the industry’s future remains uncertain.Yet across the country, from historic watering holes and characterful coastal pubs to award-winning gastropubs, there are still plenty of places worth seeking out – and supporting.Here are some of the best pubs in Britain to visit, raise a glass and help keep the great British pub alive.CITY PINTS The Old White Bear, Hampstead, London Head to The Old White Bear in Hampstead, London, after an afternoon walk on Hampstead HeathThe Old White Bear has proudly been pouring pints since 1704 and it's a great watering hole to refuel in after a long walk on Hampstead Heath.Self-proclaimed as 'one of the last truly independent pubs in the area', the boozer stocks a range of locally brewed craft beers and ales. Diners can tuck into a seasonal weekday menu or a delicious roast on a Sunday.'This pub makes you feel like you are part of the neighbourhood. It is welcoming to visit, whether alone or in a group,' one visitor commented. 'The drinks and food, especially the chips, are excellent.' The Boat Club, Durham For riverside pints in the heart of Durham, The Boat Club is the perfect spotSituated along the bank of the River Wear, in the heart of Durham, The Boat Club boasts beautiful views and a heated beer garden. Set within a 500-year-old building, it's a popular spot with locals and students and is often heaving in the summer, with visitors making the most of the waterside setting.There are plenty of deals to be grabbed, including two pints of Peroni for £9 Sunday to Friday from 12pm. The Old Blackfriars, Aberdeen The Old Blackfriars in Aberdeen serves up haggis, neeps and tatties for £8.95Located in the centre of Aberdeen, The Old Blackfriars is a traditional Scottish pub that welcomes you with bare brick walls, leather chairs and wooden beams. Visitors can wash down a hearty portion of haggis, neeps and tatties (£8.95) with a pint of Belhaven Best before heading out to enjoy the rest of the city.One rave review said: 'The place deserves the praise. They make good, honest food. The prices are affordable. 'Honorable mentions go to mash and gravy. Both simple and excellent.'Heathcock, Cardiff The Heathcock is a Cardiff-based watering hole that has served locals for over 100 yearsServing locals for over 100 years, Heathcock promises 'good quality food and drinks in relaxed and informal surroundings'.The Cardiff-based watering hole dishes up meals made with homegrown fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden and locally sourced ingredients. It was named in the Good Food Guide's 100 Best Pubs 2025 list, placing 54th.Peveril of the Peak, Manchester Peveril of the Peak, in Manchester, is a unique establishment covered in bright green tiles With green tiled walls on its exterior, Peveril of the Peak certainly stands out in the Capital of the North.Situated in the heart of Manchester, the pub is run by the city's longest serving landlady, according to CAMRA.Its interior is designated as 'outstanding national historic importance' by the organisation. Visitors can choose between four drinking areas and reviews online rave about the selection of beers.Bittles Bar, Belfast Belfast's Bittles Bar has hundreds of whiskeys on its menuLocated in the centre of Belfast, Bittles Bar is the perfect watering hole to stop by after exploring the city.There are hundreds of whiskeys to choose from and the pub promises, 'You won't find a better pint of Guinness in all of Belfast.' Visitors tend to agree, with one writing: 'Bittles Bar is a fantastic place to visit, serving a cracking pint of Guinness alongside top-class banter.'Another chimed in: 'The vibe is brilliant, and the walls are covered in fun, topical artwork of well-known Irish figures, some of it genuinely funny. There's also loads of classic pub memorabilia, plenty of Guinness bits, and what feels like an entire cabinet (or maybe even a whole wall) just for whiskey.' DRINKS BY THE SEA The Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock, Dorset Pub goers can find a range of locally brewed drinks at The Three Horseshoes in Dorset This 300-year-old thatched stone pub is located just a short walk from a coastal path.It promises a cosy visit in the winter with log fires and a spacious beer garden for the summer months. Diners can enjoy locally sourced ingredients and there is a selection of homemade bar snacks available.The range of local options on draught includes Dorset Gold and Dorset Orchard's Orchard Haze.The Zetland Arms, Kent Directly on Kingsdown Beach, the Zetland Arms has been open since 1863Packed in summer thanks to its location right on the seafront at Kingsdown, the bright white Zetland Arms looks across to France.Go in winter when it's quieter, and feel the warm embrace of a jar, brewed by Shepherd Neame up the road in Faversham, after a bracing walk.The sheltered rear courtyard offers respite on windy days – which you'll be grateful for if you arrive on one.Dating back to 1854, the pub offers a selection of local beers and ales, as well as wine and soft drinks. Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, North Wales The village of Porthdinllaen, North Wales is home to Tŷ Coch InnAccessible by foot only, the 20-minute walk from the nearest car park to this highly picturesque red-hued beauty makes the visit well worth the effort.On the north coast of the pretty Llŷn Peninsula, there are magnificent views of the water, and a nautical theme inside, including jugs and jars hanging from the beams.Food is only served between 12pm and 2.30pm from September 1 to November.The Old Scalby Mills, Scarborough, North Yorkshire The Old Scalby Mills is a converted 17th-century watermill in Scarborough, North Yorkshire Tucked at the northernmost end of Scarborough's North Bay Beach, The Old Scalby Mills is a converted 17th-century watermill.It's a unique establishment that overlooks the whole bay – making it the perfect spot to stop for a sea view pint. For visitors who fancy food, you can pick up a giant Yorkshire pudding with beef, chips, peas and gravy for £15.95.Marsden Grotto, South Shields, Tyneside Marsden Grotto in South Shields, Tyneside, was previously used for smugglers to hide contrabandPerhaps one of Britain's most unique seaside pubs, The Grotto is built into a large cave on the coast.Previously used for smugglers to hide contraband, it has now developed into an inn, and you can even book rooms too. It's steeped in history and ghost stories. Jack the Jibber, a smuggler who was said to have been murdered by fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs, was supposedly hanged in a barrel in a cave near the current lift shaft and left to starve, the inn's website reveals. COUNTRYSIDE TIPPLES Kirkstile Inn, Lake District Tucked away in the western Lake District, the Kirkstile Inn has fires and local alesLost In The Lakes author Tom Chesshyre described the Kirkstile Inn as a 'hikers' delight'. The 'heavenly spot' can be found between Loweswater and Crummock Water in the western Lake District.Guests can find blazing fires and local ales, paired with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Rivelin Inn, Sheffield The Rivelin Inn offers a pleasant spot to rest after a long walk in the surrounding Sheffield countrysideAfter walking the beautiful Rivelin Valley in Sheffield, The Rivelin Inn is the perfect place to refuel. The traditional country pub is set in Stannington and offers 'great food, proper drinks, Sunday lunch'. One diner commented: 'The Rivelin Inn is truly an exceptional restaurant and one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.'A second wrote: 'This is a wonderful pub, with amazing country views over Rivelin Valley.'The Old Forge, Scottish Highlands The Old Forge is located in the Scottish Highlands - sip a pint there whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings Known as the most remote pub on the mainland, The Old Forge can be found in the small village of Inverie in the Scottish Highlands. The pub is surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes from mountains and lochs to raw wilderness. It has been community-owned since 2022 and with little road access, it's best to reach the pub by foot or ferry.The Stackpole Inn, Pembrokeshire The Stackpole Inn is surrounded by gorgeous Welsh countrysideThe Stackpole Inn, in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales, is in a picturesque spot surrounded by national park scenery.Visitors will find it offers a lovely location for a drink outside. The pub is near Barafundle Bay, one of Wales' most beautiful beaches. 'The best roast I've ever had!' one delighted guest wrote this month. 'The food and the service absolutely surpassed my every expectation. It is truly a must-visit for anyone that comes to Pembroke!'PROPER OLD-SCHOOL BOOZERS The Queen's Head, Newton, Cambridgeshire Next up is The Queen's Head in Cambridgeshire, which is listed in the National Inventory as having regional importanceRun by the same family since 1962, The Queen's Head in Newton has been listed in the National Inventory as having a historic pub interior of regional importance.The pub itself says that everything on the inside has a story – so be sure to ask about the clock, the bar itself and any other quirks you spot.Classic dark wood tables, real ales and hearty dishes are the pub's bread and butter. There is also a Saloon Bar with a large open fire, a small games room with a darts board and bar billiards and a terrace and beer garden.'Five stars isn't really enough. Genuine 'proper' pub. Proper beer, simple but excellent food. Great history,' one review on the pub's website says.Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem says on the outside that it is the oldest inn in EnglandLocated in Nottingham, this 'white-washed edifice' claims to be the oldest inn in England – it's thought to date back to 1189.This claim might be false – as experts have suggested – but it's still a deeply nostalgic pub to visit.It's built into the base of Castle Rock, giving it a distinctive appearance against the soft sandstone cliff.'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a fantastic, atmospheric stop for drinks and classic British comfort food,' a recent review said.It's also dog-friendly - a major plus for plenty of pubgoers. The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market Next on the list is The Hoste Arms, Burnham MarketThe 17th-century, Grade II listed coaching inn is set in the heart of Burnham Market, just moments from the wide sandy beaches of the North Norfolk coast.The Hoste Arms is one of the region's best-known pub stays, with its seasonal menu showcasing the very best local produce, offering an authentic taste of Norfolk.Alongside stylish accommodation, The Hoste Arms offers extensive amenities, including a fully equipped gym, a relaxing spa cabin, a private cinema for intimate screenings and bicycle hire for scenic coastal rides.With a host of activities on the doorstep, from the historic Holkham Hall to nearby Pensthorpe Natural Park, there is something for everyone, including expansive beaches perfect for crabbing, family-friendly trails and play areas, along with kitesurfing for the more adventurous guests. The Beacon Hotel, Sedgley, West Midlands Head to The Beacon Hotel for typical pub interiorsA textbook example of an old-school establishment, The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley is housed in a building dating back to the 1850s.Inside, you'll find an official brewery tap, and real ales straight from the barrel.The central island bar has Victorian-style hatches, and the pub has a truly authentic feel.'Outstanding old pub which oozes character,' one visitor wrote on Google reviews.Another added: 'A properly old-school and atmospheric pub with small rooms off a central corridor and bar hatch in the middle. Really is like going back in time.'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is equal parts quicky and classicYe Olde Cheshire Cheese, rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire of London, is a classic and historic pub in the capital.With seemingly endless hallways and cosy chambers including a wood-panelled front lounge and a basement with barrels at which you can stand, it's a quintessential pub.It's easy to imagine yourself mingling among Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Samuel Johnson – all former visitors.The food served here is British, with the signature dish Ye Olde Steak & Kidney Pudding.AWARD-WINNING PUBSThe Tamworth Tap, Tamworth, Staffordshire The Tamworth Tap has recently been ranked as Britain's best pubThe Tamworth Tap has cemented its reputation as a destination in its own right after being named Britain's best pub.Set in a 16th-century Tudor building in the centre of Tamworth, Staffordshire, the pub was opened in 2017 by husband and wife George and Louise Greenaway after the information centre moved.It has an on-site brewery and an extensive wine list, both of which went some way to swaying the Great British Pub Awards judges.It was awarded overall top spot at the 27th edition of awards, having previously been named CAMRA's National Pub of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2025.The Red Lion, Cranford, Northamptonshire The Red Lion in Cranford, Northamptonshire joins the listNorthamptonshire's The Red Lion took home the title of Best Country Pub in the same awards.The pub, run by Richard Gordon and Sonya Freeman in the village of Cranford, near Kettering, is part of the Greedy Gordons Group.Rustic and atmospheric, it has an open fire, dartboard and garden.'The food is absolutely amazing and easily some of the best pub food around. The burger in particular was outstanding - easily one of the best I've had,' one diner remarked.Another added: 'A return visit in the near future is already being discussed!'The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, Slaggyford, Northumberland Up next is The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's RestThe Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest in Slaggyford, Northumberland, was the only pub from the North of England to make the prestigious Great British Pub Awards 2026. Ranked best for food, the focus is on seasonal dishes and local produce (naturally, with an extensive wine list and well-stocked bar).Highlights on the menu include sirloin with ox cheek and creamed potatoes, a duck breast with rosti potato, Sunday roast beef and an array of desserts.Opt for a six-course lunchtime tasting menu to sample some of the pub's best food, with three courses just £35. QUIRKY ALTERNATIVES The Highwayman Inn, Plymouth A fairy tale carriage marks the entrance to this 800-year-old pub With a horse-drawn carriage for a front door, a pumpkin house and a fire-breathing dragon this is one of Britain's most unusual pubs.The Highwayman Inn, built in 1282, has been dramatically renovated to create an unusual, unsettling, cluttered experience.The entrance of the pub is a stagecoach and the hallways are covered in an array of eclectic artefacts and objects, collected over several decades by its former landlord Buster.Other items include a crystal tree, a Tutankhamun statue, cartwheels, lanterns and a bellows acquired from a blacksmith which has been turned into a table.Pack o' Cards, Combe Martin, Devon Pack o' Cards in Devon is uniquely shaped to have four floors, representing the suits in a deck of cardsDating back to 1690, Pack o' Cards in Combe Martin, Devon's unique selling point is its theme.Allegedly, local squire George Ley celebrated his luck in card games when he won a huge amount of money by building a house representing cards – built on a plot of land measuring 52 x 53ft (to signify the number of cards in a deck plus a joker).Four floors represent four suits, and there are 52 stairs on the inside.The pub includes a traditional Devonshire bar, restaurant serving food throughout the day and three-star hotel accommodation offering six cosy en suite bedrooms. House of the Trembling Madness, York The clue is in the name with the House of the Trembling MadnessThe House of the Trembling Madness is unique from the entrance, hidden through a speciality bottle shop.Food is delicious, though beer is the main draw, with 19 on tap, 13 continually changing and six rotating seasonally. 'Well worth the stop,' said one visitor. 'Great selection of cask ales in the upper story pub and a dizzying selection of cans and bottles on the ground floor. I love the décor and layout of the pub upstairs.'House of the Trembling Madness has opened a new branch nearby at 14 Lendal, a Georgian mansion with a more spacious, though equally charming, feel.CELEBRITY-OWNED CHOICES The Half Moon, Kirdford, West Sussex Jodie Kidd owns The Half Moon in West SussexTV personality Jodie Kidd purchased The Half Moon in Kirdford, West Sussex, in 2017 and restored the Grade II listed building with two business partners.Now an award-winning establishment, the pub offers a selection of craft beers, cocktails and wines, as well as a menu crafted with British ingredients.'Our wish is to establish a home from home, somewhere vibrant, welcoming and charming, where guests can enjoy exceptional British produce with international flavours inspired by my travels,' Jodie Kidd says on The Half Moon's website.The Farmer's Dog, Cotswolds Jeremy Clarkson opened The Farmer's Dog in the Cotswolds in 2024Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson bought The Farmer's Dog in 2024 for around £1million.The Cotswolds pub dishes up an all-British menu centred around supporting UK farmers.Mr Clarkson's own beer, Hawkstone, is available on tap and every beverage served is British too.It has rave reviews – a whopping 16,800 on Google – with many commenting on the good food, atmosphere and service.But there may not be a second pub in the UK any time soon, as Mr Clarkson recently revealed at the Tory Party Conference earlier this month that he is looking at opening one abroad, Metro reports.HIGH-END DININGThe Harwood Arms, London 'The Harwood Arms professes: 'We champion the very best British produce with a focus on game and wild food'Fulham's renowned Harwood Arms is the only Michelin-starred pub in the capital – and for that reason is well worth a visit.The Sunday menu offers roasts with slow-cooked deer shoulder, cod, beef or pork belly.Plus, the daily menu includes delicacies such as red-legged partridge, fallow deer pate and Iberian ham.It will set you back £79 for three courses, though, so might be best saved for a special occasion or treat. The Cadogan Arms, London The Cadogan Arms is a historic gastropub located on King's Road in Chelsea, LondonFor high-end pub fare, opt for The Cadogan Arms, a Chelsea institution in the capital.The modern gastropub focuses on British classics, from a grill to beer-battered fish and chips, burgers, pie and ham, egg and chips.Rave reviews are common, with one reading: 'Stumbled across this gem of a pub completely by chance, and I already can’t wait to go back. The food was exceptional - honestly some of the best we’ve had.'Another said: 'A stunning find in the heart of Chelsea! The interior is absolutely magnificent - classic, elegant, and the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed afternoon. Beyond the decor, the food was excellent and clearly prepared with care. It’s rare to find a place that nails both the aesthetic and the menu so perfectly.'The Unruly Pig The Unruly Pig is a perfect choice for an upmarket pub mealServing unfussy 'Britalian' food, this quirky gastropub continues to wow with its inventive, accomplished food and stellar service.This combination has won it a faithful local fan club – alongside weekenders prepared to put the miles in to dine here. The Unruly Pig was named 'Best Pub' in the GQ Food and Drink Awards 2023.Lemon sole, venison and Iberico pork presa are all on the menu, alongside 40-day aged longhorn beef steak.'Excellence from start to finish,' one diner said of their experience here, with another adding: 'The food was delicious. I couldn't fault it from delicious bread to perfectly cooked cod.'The Fordwich Arms, Fordwich The Fordwich Arms is both picturesque and full of delicious itemsBritain's smallest town is home to the next option on the list, a pub and Michelin-starred restaurant set in Fordwich with a 1930s bar and oak-panelled dining room with three open fires.In the summer months the riverside location has a beautiful dining terrace and a garden with views over the river Stour.Chef-patron Daniel Smith has previously been awarded Observer's Young Chef of the Year, and his seasonal menu showcases the best of local Kentish ingredients.Three-course meals cost just £45.The Hand and Flowers, Marlow Tom Kerridge's Hand of Flowers pub in Marlow joins the listThe Hand and Flowers is a pub where the kitchen holds two Michelin stars – so it's especially impressive that a meal costs less than £50.By much-loved chef Tom Kerridge, the rustic pub offers delicacies such as artichoke and morteau sausage tart, curry-roasted jumbo plaice and a honey lavender ice cream.Three courses on select dates and times are £45.Star Inn at Harome, Harome Head to the Star Inn at Harome for cosy interiors and quality food Along the River Ouse, a meal at the Star Inn is an unpretentious yet quality affair.The restaurant's market menu offers the chance to sample its Michelin-starred fare at the reasonable price of £30 for three courses.One visitor wrote: 'We recently visited The Star Inn at Harome and were thoroughly impressed. The restaurant and pub are simply outstanding, combining exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a wonderful atmosphere in a truly unique setting.'Another chimed in: 'We visited the Star Inn for a quiet family birthday celebration, and the tasting menu certainly did not disappoint. Showcasing the very best seasonal ingredients, each course was beautifully presented and full of flavour.'Join the discussionHave we missed any of your favourites? Let us know!What's your view?