Category: Awards

Pub of the Year 2026

Posted on by Paul Manning

Our overall 2026 Pub of the Year and also Sheffield Kelham Island & Neepsend area pub of the year is the outstanding Kelham Island Tavern. The Kelham Island area is now a Sheffield beer tourist attraction, with excellent bus and tram connections from the City Centre.

The overall winner is selected by judges visiting all the area winners, which were voted for by our members, and objectively scoring them against nationally set criteria.

Constructed in the 1830s as part of a terrace, and originally operating as the Sawmaker, the pub was later renamed the White Hart, and in 1995 became the Kelham Island Tavern, before closing in 1999. In March 2002, the derelict building was purchased and reopened, specialising in real ale.

Over the last 22 years, the pub has continued to thrive and since 2018, under the management of Josh and Louise, it has continued to offer a wide range of both cask and craft beers always including a porter, stout and many IPA’s and bitters. 

It has an excellent rear beer garden and the pub maintains the standards to which many others aspire. The beer range is consistently excellent, always including at least one from Blue Bee.

A simple snack menu is available including pork pies. The Kelham Island Tavern was the first pub to be CAMRA National Pub of the Year two years running (in 2008 & 2009). It has been CAMRA Yorkshire Pub of the Year five times and now Sheffield Pub of the Year on 19 occasions: a record which is highly unlikely to be overtaken.

Please join us on Tuesday 30 June from 8pm as we present the well deserved awards to Josh, Louise and team.

Josh, Louise and their team at the Kelham Island Tavern receiving their 2025 award from our Chairman Paul Manning.

Area winners

  • Dog & Partridge (City Centre) – presentation on 28 April
  • Kelham Island Tavern (Kelham Island & Neepsend) – presentation on 30 June
  • Blake Hotel, Walkley (North)
  • Chantry Inn, Handsworth (East) – presentation on 21 May
  • Sheaf View, Heeley (South) – presented 19 March
  • Rising Sun, Nether Green (West) – presentation on 31 March
  • Red Lion, Litton (District) – presentation on 18 April

Cider Pub of the Year

Old Shoe, Orchard Square – presentation on 13 May

Club of the Year

Crookes Social Club – presentation on 5 June

March Pub of the Month presentation

Posted on by Andy Cullen

Our March Pub of the month award winner was the Two & Six Micropub in Sheffield City Centre.

The certificate was presented to Juliet and Dan by our Beer Matters magazine editor Andy Cullen.

Almost all the beers on the bar were from local breweries as part of their Sheffield Beer Week celebrations and customers were treated to some lovely complimentary sandwiches too!

Pub of the Year 2026 (West Sheffield)

Posted on by Dave Pickersgill

Congratulations to Garry and the team at the Rising Sun (471 Fulwood Road, S10 3QA), winners of the Sheffield and District CAMRA, Sheffield (West) Pub of the Year 2025.

Owned by Sheffield Beerworks EOT Ltd., the Employee Owned Trust which also includes Abbeydale Brewery, the Riding Sun has been an Abbeydale community pub and dining room since 19th December 2005 when the brewery took over from the University of Sheffield Union of Students. The Union had run the building for just over 23 years. Previous management includes the Sheffield & District Public House Trust Co.Ltd. and John Smiths Tadcaster Brewery.

The original pub opened around 1860. The name refers to pubs which face east and receive early-morning sun, as did the earlier Rising Sun. The current pub opened when the, then, owners, the Sheffield Town Trustees agreed to provide land for the widening of Fulwood Road to Sheffield Corporation in return for the demolition and reconstruction of the original pub. The current building opened in July 1904. Abbeydale carried out an extensive refurbishment in 2014.

Rising Sun’s bar

There are two comfortably furnished rooms with a log burning fire between the main bar and the glass roofed extension. The large beer garden includes covered, heated areas. The pub is also both child and dog friendly. Quizzes are on Sunday evenings.

In 1914, the Sheffield and Rotherham Red Book and Almanac (p.407) stated that: ‘many pleasure seekers finding this suburban house very convenient for the supply of general refreshments.’ To-day, the situation is similar: the pub provides 13 cask beers, including a large Abbeydale range, together with several rotating guest specials across both cask and keg. There is also an ever-changing cider selection, a carefully curated wine list, a large range of quality spirits and plenty of non-alcoholic options. In addition, the creative, seasonal food menu aims to showcase the best of British produce and sees the pub working with a host of local suppliers. 

Presentation of a previous award!

We hope you can join us for the presentation on 31 March from 8pm.

Abbeydale brewery event at the Rising Sun

On the presentation evening we’ll also be holding an Abbeydale Brewery tutored tasting event, led by experts from the oldest established brewery in Sheffield. This event will explore the depth and breadth of the Abbeydale range.You will be introduced to five beers, each in a 1/3 pint measure. Tickets for this are available online in advance for £10.

Champion Winter Beer of Britain

Posted on by Andy Cullen

Abbeydale Brewery‘s Black Mass (a black IPA at 6.66% ABV) made it as a finalist in the “Barley Wines & Strong Ales” category of the Champion Beer of Britain awards. The winter ales categories were judged at Liverpool beer festival.

To reach the competition’s final in Liverpool all the beers had progressed through a year of local and regional blind judging heats.

The winner was London Brewing‘s Beer Street. Judges were blown away by this winner, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Beer Street (4.0%) as: “A sparkling golden amber bitter, with spicy rye and a roasty nose, sweet biscuit on the flavour, where the spicy rye notes increase and linger in the dry and slightly bitter finish. Very easy drinking.”

Taking the Silver award was Cairngorm, Black Gold, 4.4%. A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes.

The Bronze winner was Green Jack, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%. A dark ruby brown imperial stout, with aromas of sweet black treacle with some damsons. A rich smooth mouthfeel with bitter black chocolate, sweet molasses and damsons. The finish is sweet, smooth with bitter roasty notes remaining. Very warming.

The category winners now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where they’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026.

Reacting to the win, Director of London Brewing Senan Sexton said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our best bitter, Beer Street, has been named Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2026 by CAMRA. We’ve been brewing Beer Street since we founded the brewery in 2011, and it’s a real testament to the skill and dedication of our head brewer, Alex, that he has continued to refine and elevate the recipe over the years.

“This accolade means a tremendous amount to a brewery of our size. It’s not only a proud moment for our team, but also a fantastic boost that celebrates the enduring appeal of high-quality cask ales enjoyed in pubs across the UK.”

CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.

“London Brewing are incredibly deserving winners of the winter crown, and everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”

Full category winners:

Brown Ales, Red Ales, Old Ales and Strong Milds:

Gold: Harvey’s, Old Ale, 4.3%

Silver: Elmtree, Nightlight Mild 5.7%

Bronze: RedWillow, Sleepless, 5.4%

Session Stouts and Porters:

Gold: Cairngorm, Black Gold, 4.4%

Silver: Green Jack, Lurcher Stout, 4.8%

Bronze: Blackjack, Manchester Stout, 4.8%

Strong Stouts and Porters:

Gold: Green Jack, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%

Silver: Ramsgate, Gadds’ Black Pearl, 6.2%

Bronze: Five Kingdoms, Dark Storm, 6.9%

Barley Wines and Strong Ales:

Gold: Driftwood Spars, Alfie’s Revenge, 6.5%

Silver: Grainstore, Nip, 7.3%

Bronze: Holden’s, Old Ale, 7.2%

Speciality, Differently Produced:

Gold: London Brewing, Beer Street, 4.0%

Silver: Papworth, Koura, 5.7%

Bronze: Dorset, Jurassic Dark, 5.9%

Speciality, Differently Flavoured:

Gold: Farm Yard, Hoof, 4.3%

Silver: Titanic, Cappuccino Stout, 4.5%

Bronze: Cerne Abbas, Gurt Coconuts Rum Stout, 6.7%

Pub of the Month March 2026

Posted on by Dan Rowe

Our March pub of the month is the Two & Six on Snig Hill in Sheffield City Centre. This popular and welcoming micropub was opened in 2023 by Juliet and Dan, who have two connected units on the small parade – number 26, which gave the pub its name in pre-decimalisation currency, and number 24 next door which they offer for rental as a gallery, meeting or events space. 

In prior incarnations the micropub has had a range of uses, including a gallery, local theatre company, and a ‘selfie centre’ with local street art. It has since been fully refurbished to be a welcoming wood-panelled space with bespoke furniture. As well as pump clips of previously served beers, the walls are also full of pictures of former Sheffield pubs, all now sadly closed.

The Two & Six offers four real ales always including a session and mid-strength pale, a dark line, and a strong line. Juliet and Dan aim to stock beers not commonly seen in Sheffield, and have recently had a number from brewers such as Jolly Sailor, Brid’s Cross and Wishbone – these careful picks make the micropub an integral part of the route for any beer ticker. There are also two real ciders, usually one fruited and one standard. Finishing the beer lineup are an imported German lager and three craft kegs, one of which is always gluten free. The bar also offers a substantial range of gins and other spirits, and wines.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, the bar is home to some regular events. Each Sunday at 8.45 there is a quiz with prizes including beer vouchers for winners, and biscuits for the losers. On the second Monday of the month (an exception to their usual opening hours) the Two & Six is home to Sheffield’s Laurel and Hardy Brats Tent, ‘The Sons of the Desert’ – one of a number of UK groups who get together to celebrate the works of Laurel and Hardy.

Join us for a special Sheffield Beer Week edition of our award presentation on Thursday 12 March at 8.30pm. Juliet and Dan aim to have beers originating from Sheffield tapped, including some brewers they’ve not previously stocked.

Thanks for the many votes we received in January – it may have been a record! Nominations are always open on our revamped nomination form, and are ratified at each month’s committee meeting (third Tuesday). Voting then opens until the branch meeting (first Tuesday). If you have feedback on the process or the new form, contact us at potm@sheffield.camra.org.uk. 

As always, please consider visiting and nominating venues you may not have been to before, and supporting the excellent independent businesses in our branch area.

Pub of the Year 2026 (District)

Posted on by Dan Rowe

The Red Lion Inn is a Grade II–listed public house located on the village green in Litton, Derbyshire. The building was converted from three miners’ cottages into a pub in 1787, and over 200 years later in 2024 it was taken over by Tomas and Kristina.

The property was added to the National Heritage List for England on 12 July 1967 in recognition of its architectural and historic interest.

The interior has a traditional layout, with small rooms, exposed stone walls, wood panelling, and open fireplaces. They also have two guest rooms which can be booked for overnight accommodation.

The kitchen offers a menu of traditional British dishes and operates daily, with a break in service during mid-afternoon Monday to Thursday.

Cask ales from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire breweries are regularly available – on a recent social we enjoyed beers from Acorn and Eyam. 

The Red Lion hosts quiz nights on the first Monday of the month, and other community activities which are advertised on their website and social media. From time to time bigger events are held such as their Oktoberfest celebration last September.

Join us for the award presentation at 3pm on Saturday 18 April. We have a Peak District social on that day which will be calling there, alternatively you can get there on bus 65 (Sheffield-Buxton) or bus 173 (Castleton-Bakewell).

Pub of the Year 2026 (East Sheffield)

Posted on by Paul Manning

The Chantry Inn has been voted as Sheffield and District CAMRA East Area Pub of the Year for 2025.

This historic pub which was built around 1250 is uniquely one of only four pubs in the UK set in consecrated grounds being within the boundary walls of St Mary’s parish church in Handsworth.

It comprises of three different rooms each with some original and unique features including real fireplaces, beamed low ceilings and even the bell pushes used in previous days to order the ale. There are also claims of various tunnels and passageways from the cellar to the church. 

It has had a varied past originally being a chantry and safe house for nuns, then a washhouse and a school before being a pub for much of the later years from the early 1800’s.

Previously known as the Cross Keys, Chantry Brewery acquired the pub in early 2019 and undertook a tasteful restoration and deliver real quality beers. There are always 5 cask ales on tap from Chantry brewery with a rotating special alongside the regulars of New York pale, Iron and Steel bitter, Special Reserve and Diamond Stout. There are also changing keg beers available often from Abbeydale, Tiny Rebel or Beavertown as well as real cider and Chantry brewery’s own Helles lager. 

Congratulations to all involved with the Chantry Inn including the brewery and the pub manager Terry and his partner Alison. The area pub of the year award presentation is planned for the evening of Thursday 21st May from around 8pm onwards and all are welcome to join the celebration.  

You can find the pub at 400 Handsworth Road, S13 9BZ. The nearest bus stop in on the main road near the pub and is served by buses 30, 30a, 52, 52a, 70, 70a, 73, 95, X5.

ALL THE AREA WINNERS

  • Sheffield North: Blake, Walkley
  • Sheffield City Centre: Dog & Partridge, Trippet Lane
  • Sheffield South: Sheaf View, Heeley
  • Sheffield West: Rising Sun, Nether Green
  • Sheffield Kelham Island & Neepsend: Kelham Island Tavern
  • Sheffield East: Chantry Inn, Handsworth
  • Sheffield District (Derbyshire): Red Lion, Litton
  • Cider: Old Shoe, Sheffield City Centre
  • Club: Crookes Social Club

Pub of the Year 2026 (Central Sheffield)

Posted on by Paul Manning

Our 2025 Pub of the Year for Sheffield city centre area is the fabulous Dog & Partridge on Trippet Lane in central Sheffield. The pub has been run for over 13 years now by Sarah and Conor Smith.

The pub itself dates back to 1796 – one of the oldest still operating in Sheffield, and is on the CAMRA Local Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.

On the bar are 4 cask lines, usually including at least one Abbeydale beer (which is Gluten Free), with a choice of a bitter, a stout and 2 paler options. There is also a central column of 4 craft keg lines, and a further 8 keg lines for lagers, ciders, and the ‘Holy Trinity’ of Irish Stouts; Guinness, Beamish and Murphy’s.

The pub offers a range of events including a quiz night every Tuesday followed by ‘Irish Bingo’. There are music sessions on numerous days.

They also offer an Irish pub food menu including a ‘spice bag’ inspired by Ireland’s chinese takeaway menus as well as specials.

They are really racking up the pub awards including ‘Exposed’ Best traditional pub award 2025, The Great British Crawl pub of the year winner 2025, Pints of Sheffield Battle of the Boozers champion 2025 and member of the Guinness Harp guide 2025 as well as their CAMRA award.

Join us on Tuesday 28th April 2026 at around 8pm after the quiz finishes for the presentation of their award.

You can find the pub at 56 Trippet Lane, S1 4EL. Nearest tram stop is City Hall.

ALL THE AREA WINNERS

  • Sheffield North: Blake, Walkley
  • Sheffield City Centre: Dog & Partridge, Trippet Lane
  • Sheffield South: Sheaf View, Heeley
  • Sheffield West: Rising Sun, Nether Green
  • Sheffield Kelham Island & Neepsend: Kelham Island Tavern
  • Sheffield East: Chantry Inn, Handsworth
  • Sheffield District (Derbyshire): Red Lion, Litton
  • Cider: Old Shoe, Sheffield City Centre
  • Club: Crookes Social Club

Pub of the Month February 2026

Posted on by Dan Rowe

The Raven Inn on Palm Street, Walkley, opened in November 2019, an unexpectedly challenging period for any business – let alone a new pub. Formerly the Palm Tree, the Raven underwent an extensive refurbishment before opening. The mixed contemporary and traditional interior consists of wooden furniture with contrasting walls adorned with antlered light fixtures.

The Raven Inn is Loxley Brewery’s second pub, following the Wisewood Inn in Loxley and preceding Sharrow Vale’s ‘No.3’. It offers five of Loxley’s own real ales and a rotating guest real cider alongside nine keg lines including guest craft keg, Loxley’s own craft offerings, and a lager. 

To the rear is a very spacious beer garden which in the warmer months usually hosts a pop-up kitchen on weekend evenings. Throughout the year a variety of pork pies, sausage rolls and scotch eggs are available over the bar every weekend. Each Wednesday there is a pub quiz at 8pm and other one-off events including live music are listed on the pub’s social media feeds.

Join us for a drink at the Raven on 10 February at 8.30pm where they’ll be presented with February’s Pub of the Month award.

Getting there: buses 52a and 95 stop a short walk away on Walkley Road or South Road.

Happy new year to everyone, and thanks for all your nominations and votes over the last 6 months. Nominations are always open on our revamped nomination form, and are ratified at each month’s committee meeting (third Tuesday). Voting then opens until the branch meeting (first Tuesday). If you have feedback on the process or the new form, contact us at potm@sheffield.camra.org.uk.

This time of year is always the hardest for pubs, and 2026 will be no exception – at the time of writing both Turner’s bottle shop and the Closed Shop have already announced their closures. Please consider visiting and nominating venues you may not have been to before, and supporting independent businesses in our branch area.