The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has named the four finalists in its Club of the Year competition, run in conjunction with Club Mirror.
The overall winner will be announced in early 2026.
“Clubs are important social hubs for communities across the UK,” said competition co-ordinator Phil Gregg. “These fantastic finalists sum up everything that is great about the club scene — friendly and inclusive spaces with top-quality cask beer, real cider, and perry.
“I do not envy those judging the overall winner, as the quality of candidates for the Club of the Year competition seems to get better each and every year! I encourage everyone to visit our top four clubs to experience them for yourself or support your local club.”
The finalists
Appleton Thorn Village Hall, Cheshire
Previously an old school, the building dates back to the 1880s and was converted into a club in 1978 when a group of villagers voiced a need for a central meeting place. The club has won overall Club of the Year four times, and boasts a wide range of cask beers from independent brewers, plus real ciders and perries.
Billingham Catholic Club, County Durham
The club is renowned for hosting weekly band nights and supporting the local live music scene. Featuring in the Good Beer Guide for almost 20 years, it has gained a reputation for its ever-changing cask beer line-up, serving 150 different beers annually. The club stages regular beer festivals throughout the year, in particular the annual garden party in August, which raises money for local charities.
Orpington Liberal Club, London
Run by a committee of cask beer enthusiasts, the club has a particular focus on local breweries and microbreweries, with up to five cask beers available, including a stout or porter and a changing range of real ciders and perries. Live music is a key element of the venue, which hosts Orpington Jazz Club. The club runs beer festivals twice per year and frequent meet the brewer evenings.
Cheltenham Motor Club, Gloucestershire
Formed in 1906, this friendly and welcoming club has won Club of the Year three times. The bar is decorated with motoring paraphernalia and has six cask beers on tap, as well as at least one cider and a range of bottled Belgian beers. The club hosts local darts and pool teams, plus an annual beer festival, along with regular meet the brewer and tap takeover evenings.
