Cotswolds pub named among UK’s best and up for national award

The Prince of Burford on The Hill in Burford has been shortlisted for Oxfordshire Pub & Bar of the Year at this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards, taking place in June.

Managed by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, the much‑loved pub will compete against more than 250 standout venues from across the UK.

All of these will be vying for the coveted title of best in the county, and ultimately, the honour of being named the best pub in the UK.

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The Prince of Burford pub in the Cotswolds. (Image: The Prince of Burford)

Returning to London for its 10‑year anniversary on Wednesday, June 10, the National Pub & Bar Awards celebrates excellence across the industry, recognising 94 County Winners as the very best in their respective regions.

Jayson Perfect, COO, Butcombe Group says: “The Prince of Burford is one of those pubs that truly embodies what Butcombe stands for — genuine hospitality, great beer, and a real connection to its local community.

“Being shortlisted for Oxfordshire Pub & Bar of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the passion, creativity and consistency shown by the entire team.

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“Awards like this matter because they shine a light on pubs that are doing things properly, and The Prince of Burford is absolutely one of them.

“We’re thrilled for the team, grateful to our guests for their continued support, and excited to see what June brings.”

More than 250 Highly Commended pubs and bars are now invited to the Grand Final, where the 2026 County Winners, Regional Winners and the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year will be revealed.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the event, said: “Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we can’t wait to roll it out again this year.

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“The fact that the celebrations last from the long Easter weekend, when we celebrate this year’s County Nominees, right up until the awards night at the beginning of summer, is no less than this wonderful industry deserves.

“We just want to do what we can to spread the word about these brilliant businesses.”

The ceremony will also unveil the Industry’s Choice Award, voted for by a panel of 400 handpicked judges, alongside the consumer‑voted Pub Group of the Year, Bar Group of the Year, and the Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award.

The National Pub & Bar Awards assesses a wide range of criteria that shape the guest experience, including marketing, digital presence, design, service, style of offer and investment.