Swan with Two Necks in Lancashire named in top 16 pubs in Britain - here’s why and the full list of winners

The competition is run annually to find the finest pub in the UK, with a pub in Berkshire claiming the top spot for 2020.

‘Outstanding’

While the Swan with Two Necks wasn’t crowned the overall winner, it beat hundreds of pubs across the country to be named among the UK’s four finest in CAMRA’s prestigious Pub of the Year competition.

Described by judges as “outstanding”, the recently renovated traditional pub sits nestled in a pretty Pendleside village and is deservedly popular with both locals and visitors alike, thanks to its five constantly changing ales and one real cider.

A selection of delicious home-cooked food is also served, with many high quality specialised local dishes.

In the summer months, visitors can make the most of the outdoor seating, while open fires inside ensure pub-goers are kept cosy during the winter.

The pub has also impressed once before, having been crowned CAMRA’s Pub of the Year back in 2014.

CAMRA’s National Director, Ben Wilkinson, said: “The top 16 contenders boast the perfect mix of the essential characteristics which make a great pub – great service, a welcoming atmosphere, fantastic decor, great value for money and most importantly, quality real ale.

“As our Summer of Pub initiative comes to a close, we’d like to encourage the nation’s beer drinkers to seek out these extraordinary pubs, which have been individually judged by our volunteers, ensuring a high degree of impartiality and integrity in their nomination.

How are the awards judged?

Pubs in the annual competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on a number of criteria.

These include the pub atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of the beer.

The top 16

The best pubs in the country have been highlighted in the national competition since 1998, with the awards intended to showcase quality venues across the UK that are worth seeking out and visiting.

A total of 16 pubs are selected in the shortlist, before being whittled down to four finalists.

These are the all 16 pubs that made the cut:

- Central Southern – Bell, Aldworth, Berkshire

- East Anglia – Red Lion, Preston, Hertfordshire

- East Midlands – Smithfield, Derby, Derbyshire

- Greater Manchester – Flying Horse Hotel, Rochdale

- Kent – The Admirals Arm, Queenborough

- London – Hope, Carshalton

- Merseyside – Cricketers Arms, St. Helens

- North East – Grey Horse, Consett

- Scotland & Northern Ireland – Bridge Inn, Peebles

- South West – Tom Cobley, Spreyton, Devon

- Surrey / Sussex – Hornet, Chichester, Sussex

- Wales – Mansel Arms, Porthyrhyd, Carmarthenshire

- Wessex – The Firkin Shed, Bournemouth

- West Midlands – Prince of Wales, Shrewsbury

- West Pennines – Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton, Lancashire

- Yorkshire – George & Dragon, Hudswell