Cornwall’s Best Pubs Face Off for CAMRA’s Pub of the Year – Who Will Win?

Each year, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) selects the best pub in the country—a title that every landlord dreams of achieving. The 2024 national winner was The Bailey Head in Oswestry, Shropshire, while The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire claimed the top spot for two consecutive years before that. Previous multiple winners include The Bell Inn in Aldworth, Berkshire, and The Kelham Island Tavern in Sheffield.

Cornwall has had its moment of national glory too, with The Blisland Inn taking the title in 2000. The pub remains a firm favourite to this day.

How Cornwall’s Pub of the Year Is Chosen

In Cornwall, the road to the national competition starts with CAMRA’s Pub of the Season awards. Four pubs are selected throughout the year, and members then visit and score them on factors such as:

• The quality and condition of real ale, cider, and perry
• Promotion and knowledge of the product
• Cleanliness and staff hygiene
• Community focus
• Service, welcome, décor, and atmosphere
• Alignment with CAMRA’s aims

Now, with all four seasonal winners chosen, it’s time to decide which pub will go forward as Cornwall’s representative for the national title.

The Four Contenders

The Old Ale House, Truro

This pub is known for its fantastic range of ales and ciders, maintaining strict quality standards. It offers a lively atmosphere with a mix of theme nights, from comedy to magic shows, folk music, jam sessions, and gigs. And for those after a snack, there’s even a barrel full of free peanuts.

Moth and the Moon, Falmouth

Winner of the summer award, this pub serves four well-kept Cornish ales and has a terraced garden that adds to its appeal. Friendly and knowledgeable staff make it a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.

The Star at Vogue

A traditional pub with a strong community feel, The Star at Vogue always has a good selection of real ales. It’s also dog-friendly, with an adjacent field for pets to stretch their legs. Last year, it hosted CAMRA Kernow’s mini beer festival, cementing its place as a top contender.

The Hole in the Wall, Bodmin

Last year’s winner is back again! This wet-led pub offers an ever-changing selection of six real ales at reasonable prices. With a welcoming atmosphere, the landlord Steve and his team make sure both locals and visitors feel at home. Although the pub doesn’t currently serve food, customers are welcome to bring their own.

Who Will Take the Title?

With four strong contenders, the competition is fierce. The winner will not only claim the Cornwall CAMRA Pub of the Year title but also go forward to compete for the national award – one of the most prestigious honours a pub can receive.

Which of these pubs deserves the crown? Keep an eye on CAMRA Kernow for the final result.