The National Pub & Bar Awards have unveiled their regional shortlist, spotlighting exceptional pubs and bars across the West Midlands that are perfect for a leisurely drive from Birmingham. This prestigious recognition highlights venues in Birmingham, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, offering locals and visitors alike a curated guide to top-notch dining and drinking experiences.
Celebrating Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Choosing a great pub for a meal with family or friends can often be a daunting task, but the awards shortlist simplifies this by showcasing highly recommended eateries. Among the nominees are hidden treasures such as The Wildmoor Oak in Worcestershire, The Boot Inn in Lapworth, and The Fitzherbert Arms in Staffordshire. Birmingham itself is represented by notable spots like The Old Joint Stock in the city centre and The Old Wharf Inn in Stourbridge, while The Prince of Wales in Ledbury stands out in Herefordshire.
Awards Night and Industry Recognition
The finals are scheduled for June 10 in London, where the coveted 94 county winners will be announced. Additionally, the event will honor highly commended venues for each area and present the Industry's Choice Award, voted on by a panel of 400 handpicked industry judges in a Top 10 format. Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded format, stating, "Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we can’t wait to roll it out again this year." He emphasized the goal of spreading awareness about these brilliant businesses, with celebrations spanning from the Easter weekend to the summer awards night.
Full List of Nominated Pubs in the Midlands
According to the National Pub & Bar Awards, here are the finest pubs and bars across the region:
- Warwickshire: The Boot Inn at Lapworth, The Red Lion in Long Compton
- Staffordshire: Fitzherbert Arms in Swynnerton, The Malt at Landywood, The Top Pub Brown Edge in Stoke on Trent
- West Midlands: BOX Brindleyplace, The Old Joint Stock in Birmingham city centre, The Old Wharf Inn in Stourbridge
- Shropshire: The Acton at Morville, The Bear Inn in Market Drayton, The Dickin Arms in Shrewsbury
- Worcestershire: The Old Bush in Callow End, The Wildmoor Oak in Bromsgrove, The Queens Head in Bromsgrove, The Boot Inn in Flyford Flavell
- Herefordshire: Prince of Wales in Ledbury, The Bull's Head in Craswall, The Loughpool Inn in Ross-on-Wye
This comprehensive list serves as an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the best pub offerings in the Midlands, whether for a casual lunch or a special outing.
