A community-owned pub in a North Yorkshire village has been named one of the four best pubs in Britain.
The Countryman’s Inn at Hunton has reached the final of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) National Pub of the Year 2026 competition.
The achievement comes just four years into the pub’s community ownership and puts it in contention for one of the most prestigious awards in the pub industry.
The Countryman’s Inn is competing against the Turks Head in St Helens, Merseyside, the Cockpit in Chislehurst, south-east London, and the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire for the national title.
It is the first time the Hunton pub has won at regional and super-regional level to reach the final four.
The achievement also raises the prospect of another national victory for a Richmondshire pub, ten years after the George and Dragon at Hudswell, less than ten miles away, won the same award.
Dan Male, licensee of the Countryman’s Inn, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have made it to the last four in this year’s Pub of the Year.
“In our fourth year of community ownership the pub continues to grow, and we are so proud to be recognised by CAMRA in the work we are doing.
“Congratulations to all in the last four!”
The competition celebrates pubs offering excellent beer, a welcoming atmosphere and a strong connection with their communities.
The Hunton pub faces strong competition for the national title, particularly from the Tamworth Tap, which is hoping to secure a record-breaking fourth National Pub of the Year award.
The Turks Head has previously won at regional level, while the Cockpit, which opened during the Covid-19 pandemic, is another first-time regional and super-regional winner.
Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s Pub of the Year coordinator, praised all four finalists for their achievements during a challenging period for the hospitality industry.
She said: “I’m so proud of our final four pubs for 2026.
“Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived, but thrived.
“All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe.”
The Countryman’s Inn will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the George and Dragon and bring the national title back to Richmondshire.
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