'Best looking pubs' in the UK are named - does your local feature?

19 June 2024 , 08:57

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Inside The Vines at Lime Street, Liverpool (Image: Colin Lane)

The "best looking pubs in Britain" have been named including a Grade II* listed "gem" that had previously been neglected.

At the prestigious Pub Design Awards 2024, hosted by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), sensitive refurbishments to cutting-edge new builds were celebrated, with the annual awards shining a spotlight on the UK's most architecturally impressive pubs. A panel made up of design and conservation experts has had their say - crowning three winners, honouring two with high commendations, and giving nods to three more across various categories that span the length and breadth of the country.

Liverpool's The Vines has bagged the Historic England Conservation Award, thanks to a "breathtaking" revamp of the Grade II* listed Edwardian gem. Renowned for its lavish decor and a striking glass dome, locals fondly refer to it as "the big house". The judges heaped praise on the current owners for their full-scale conservation efforts, which meticulously reversed the effects of neglect by previous owners, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Vines in Liverpool was named CAMRA's Historic England Conservation Award 2024 thanks to the restoration of the iconic Grade II* listed Edwardian pub (Leigh Elliott Photography)

They added: "The judges were impressed with the high quality of the restoration, which has brought the building back to life as a spectacular example of historic pub design and craftsmanship." Positioned on the renowned Lime Street, The Vines stands out as a testament to Liverpool's rich heritage.

Meanwhile, an award for Conversion to Pub Use has been claimed by a Cheshire pub. This award category is designed to celebrate exceptional conversions of buildings previously used for different purposes , but now transformed into pubs. The Bod, in Alsager, was once a solicitor's office before Titanic Brewery overhauled the space. The brewery converted the space into a distinctive new bar and cafe, which opened doors in 2022.

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This boozer has become the latest addition to their portfolio of seven pubs spread across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Significant use of reused and recycled materials has been made, including repurposing original internal doors as a part of a unique bar frontage and crafting a chandelier from Titanic beer bottles. Judges also praised the new light and airy conservatory which they praised for supplying a 'wow' factor to the bar which is on Crewe Road in Alsager.

The Vines at Lime Street, Liverpool (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

The award for the best refurbishment of an existing pub building went to the Kings Arms in Elham, Canterbury. The ancient inn has been given a creative makeover, with judges commenting that the pub is "A lovely place for a drink or a meal". The new build pub of the year category gave a highly commended award to the Hall and Woodhouse in Taplow in Buckinghamshire. Located by the River Thames, it boasts an expansive outdoor terrace that provides wonderful views over the local landscape.

The two-storey state-of-the-art building was praised for its striking architecture that complements the surrounding environment, and judges were particularly impressed by the exterior which draws on design themes taken from the sheds and warehouses associated with riverside locations.

Also highly commended at the awards was the Crown Inn in Chislehurst for its contemporary makeover and remodelled beer garden. Also receiving commendations at the awards was the Bell in Tring, and the Sheep and Penguin in Wells for their refurbishments, and the Pipe Makers Arms in Broseley in the Community Local category.

Bod in Alsager, Cheshire, won a CAMRA Pub Design of the Year Award after it was converted from a former solicitors office (Bod)

Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, Andrew Davison, said: "Once again, the Pub Design Awards' judges have had a hard job in selecting the winners from the entries submitted. Despite the pressures the hospitality industry is under, we are pleased to report that people are still prepared to invest time, money, and resources into conserving their buildings, and upgrading them to meet the latest challenges.

"Our Pub Design Awards recognise the high standards of flair and imagination which have gone into these projects, and the ambitious craftsmanship involved in the repair and conservation work. Despite everything thrown at it, we believe that the pub has a key role to play in our communities, and that it will continue to flourish as an institution. The high quality of the entries for these Awards provides evidence to support that belief."

Inside Bod in Alsager, Cheshire (Bod)

CAMRA's Awards Director Laura Emson adds: "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! We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these breath-taking examples of how beautiful UK pubs can be, if given the appropriate love and care these much-loved establishments truly deserve."

Rom Preston-Ellis