Two West Midlands venues have been named among the winners of CAMRA's West Central Region Pub of the Year 2026 awards, with The Alma in Linton taking the top spot in the Pub of the Year category and Cookley Sports Club in Worcestershire winning Club of the Year.
The awards, announced by the Campaign for Real Ale, also saw The Hoptician in Dursley, Gloucestershire, named Cider Pub of the Year. The Alma was joined by runner-up The King and Castle in Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
What makes The Alma a winner?
According to CAMRA, The Alma is a "welcoming free house renowned for its excellent beer and friendly atmosphere," set in an acre of attractive grounds on the edge of the village of Linton, five miles from Ross-on-Wye. The pub features a cosy front bar, rear pool room, and wood-panelled restaurant and function room, serving freshly prepared pub classics, seasonal specials, and bar snacks throughout the year.
CAMRA also highlighted that The Alma hosts a programme of professionally organised events and festivals in its extensive grounds, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Cookley Sports Club takes Club of the Year
Cookley Sports Club, located in Lea Lane, Cookley, Worcestershire, won the Club of the Year award. CAMRA described it as a "popular village sports and social club" that combines excellent real ale with first-class facilities. The club features a comfortable lounge bar, snooker room, and two meeting rooms, while the outdoor terrace offers spectacular views across north Worcestershire.
The club serves regular beers from Wye Valley and Hobsons, complemented by three changing guest ales. Visitors are welcome as guests, and CAMRA members are admitted on production of a valid membership card.
The Hoptician named Cider Pub of the Year
The Hoptician, an award-winning micropub in Dursley, Gloucestershire, won the Cider Pub of the Year award. The pub, which opened in May 2024, is housed in a former optician's premises, giving it its unique name. It serves five carefully selected cask ales alongside an excellent range of locally produced real ciders, offering "a warm welcome and an outstanding drinking experience."
Regional Director Brett Laniosh praised all the winners, saying: "These awards recognise some of the very best pubs and clubs in the West Central Region. Each winner has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving quality real ale and cider while providing a welcoming atmosphere and playing an important role in its local community. Congratulations to all our winners and everyone involved."
Earlier in March, CAMRA named Hop & Scotch in Kings Heath as its Pub of the Year in Birmingham, adding to the region's recognition in the 2026 awards.
