The Nottingham branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) has this weekend announced its “Pub of the Year 2026”.
Nominated pubs in the Nottingham area are judged on a number of criteria, which include beer quality, warmth of welcome and general mix of clientele amongst other considerations.
The Nottingham finalist now goes forward to be judged in the Nottinghamshire round of the Competition.
This year we have again selected two winners to reflect the mix between the Urban area, including the city centre, and Village pubs, this gives a fairer spread and allows the more rural pubs not to be forgotten.
Overall (and Village) winner:
The Old Green Dragon, Blind Lane, Oxton.
Restored to its former glory by the current owners over a decade ago, this previous local CAMRA Village Pub of the Year on several occasions is a classic, traditional village pub as well as a popular eating venue. There is an ever-changing selection of six real ales from local and national breweries, as well as at least two local ciders. To the front is a patio area, and an enclosed garden at the rear.
Cloe Brailsford Licensee said:
“We are thrilled to have won Village Pub of the year again and absolutely over the moon to have won Pub of the Year also. We are very grateful that our hard work is still being recognised to keep the traditional style pub going strong. Our team here is absolutely fantastic and couldn’t have done it without them. We would also like to thank all of our amazing customers who continue to support us.”
Second place in the Village category was the Round RobINN in East Leake with the Air Hostess in Tollerton coming third.
Urban/City winner:
The Horse & Jockey, 20 Nottingham Road, Stapleford.
Known locally as ‘The Jockey’, this welcoming free house offers a choice of 12 ever-changing cask ales, a house beer from local Full Mash brewery, one craft ale, a range of continental lagers, and five real ciders. The main bar features open-plan seating. A larger seating area, up a couple of steps, can serve as a function room. Food includes bar snacks (filled cobs, pork pies and sausage rolls), pies (available all day) and pizzas on Thursdays. Accommodation is also available. Twice national CAMRA Pub of the Year finalist.
Second place in the Urban category was the Vat and Fiddle close to Nottingham Railway Station, with the Sir John Borlase Warren at Canning Circus third.
Nottingham CAMRA Branch Chairman Steve Westby says “At a time when pubs continue to close at a frightening rate it is pleasing that our volunteer panel of judges found that the quality of our remaining local pubs was, if anything, better than ever. The Old Green Dragon is particularly to be commended, as it is a true example of a thriving community pub.
The above photo’s are from the Award presentation held on Saturday 25th April. Steve Westby, Branch Chairman presents the award for Village Pub of the Year to Marc Brailsford (right) and Paul Davies, Vice Chairman presents the award for overall Pub of the Year to Cloe Brailsford (left)
