
Our pubs might be closing down left, right and centre in the UK, but there’s still plenty of them knocking about. To stand out, you need to be doing some different. Sometimes that’s cheap pints, others offer unique menus, but more often than not, a good-looking boozer will keep us coming back again and again.
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious Pub Design Awards. These recognise the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and historic conservation of pubs across the UK. Plus, the most innovative construction and conversions of new venues.
The awards are judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, with categories ranging from refurbishment to new build. Several awards were handed out on Wednesday (June 1) – including the Historic England Conservation Award for The Vines in Liverpool, and Refurbishment winner, Kings Arms in Elham.
But it’s Broseley’s The Pipe Makers Arms (in Shropshire) that’s made the West Midlands proud. It won Commended in the Community Local category, which is reserved for outstanding refurbished street-corner locals. And only an hour from Birmingham, it’s worth dropping by for!
“It is only right that the blood, sweat and tears poured into these pubs is celebrated. I would like to raise a glass to all these award-worthy pubs!” said CAMRA’s Awards Director Laura Emson. “We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these breathtaking examples of how beautiful UK pubs can be, if given the appropriate love and care these much-loved establishments truly deserve.”
After three months of “very tasteful refurbishment” under its new name – a homage to the area’s pipe-making heritage – The Pipe Makers Arms reopened in 2022. It’s also described as “bursting with character” and serves real ales and craft beers by “very welcoming staff”. As of April 2024, it was under new management.
Pub Design Award winners:
Historic England Conservation Award (winner) – The Vines, Liverpool
New Build (Highly Commended) – Hall & Woodhouse Taplow, Buckinghamshire
Conversion to Pub Use Award (winner) – bod Alsager, Cheshire East
Refurbishment (winner) – Kings Arms, Elham
Refurbishment (Highly Commended) – Crown, Chislehurst
Refurbishment (Commended) – Bell, Tring
Refurbishment (Commended) – Sheep & Penguin, Wells
Community Local (Commended) – Pipe Makers Arms, Broseley