UK’s best pubs named as stunning 500-year-old inn claims the top spot

A charming pub hidden in the scenic Oxfordshire town of Charlbury has been crowned the best in the country at the 2025 National Pub and Bar Awards.

This pub took the top honour after judges voted it the number one pub in the UK, praising its perfect balance between a “cherished local pub feel” and a high-end experience.

The venue is run by the Public House Group, known for popular London spots like The Hero and The Pelican, but this standout location is set against the rolling British countryside.

Since reopening in July 2023 under new ownership, The Bull has quickly become a favourite in the pub world.

Now led by founders Phil Winser, James Gummer and Olivier van Themsche, this 15th-century pub has made waves by focusing on the traditional British pub experience.

With its simple yet stylish interiors, modern service, talented team, and “exceptional” fresh food, it has firmly put Charlbury on the map.

The Bull’s head of food, Sally Abé, said: “We’re all over the moon. It’s already an incredibly busy pub, we’re doing about 1,200 covers a week, but hopefully this win will bring even more people to visit us.

“Over the last few years, pubs have really struggled, with many closing suddenly, so it’s brilliant for an event like this to shine a light on pubs and show they are still pillars of the community and part of Britain’s backbone.”

The Bull was chosen as the winner from 255 pubs and bars across the UK, each shortlisted to represent their county in the 2025 competition. In total, 94 county winners were announced, alongside highly commended venues in each area.

Other awards on the night included Pub Group of the Year, which went to Camerons, and Bar Group of the Year, awarded to Mr Frogg’s from London’s Inception Group. In the food category, The Tollemache Arms in Northamptonshire scooped the Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award.

A brand new category for 2025 was also introduced, The Industry’s Choice Award, highlighting venues most loved by both the trade and customers. The Devonshire in Soho claimed the number one spot after several hugely successful years serving pints in the heart of London.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

Download the official APP!

Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.

Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.