Gloucestershire has once again cemented its place on the map of Britain’s best pubs, with more than 60 venues across the county featuring in the Good Beer Guide 2026.
The annual guide, published by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), is considered the most trusted source for beer enthusiasts, highlighting top-quality cask ales and the pubs that serve them.
This year’s edition comes against a challenging backdrop, with more independent brewers closing than opening. CAMRA says the decline of small, independent breweries poses a real threat to consumer choice.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “This really is a make-or-break Budget for the chancellor. It’s time for the government to decide if it is pro pubs and independent brewers, or if it is going to reign over the demise of the great British pub. Consumers want decisive action to get independent beers onto bars and allow pubs to thrive.
“Each edition of the Good Beer Guide is a collectible snapshot of beer and pub culture that year. This year’s guide is a testament to the remarkable resilience of publicans, continuing to achieve excellence and choice for consumers despite a backdrop of sky-high tax bills and a lack of action from government. The chancellor needs to use the upcoming Budget to slash the tax burden on pubs, including VAT, duty and National Insurance contributions.”
Among the Gloucestershire pubs featured this year are The Beehive and Sandford Park Ale House in Cheltenham and The Drunken Duck in Gloucester.
In total, 61 Gloucestershire pubs made the cut, spanning traditional country inns to contemporary micropubs.
The Good Beer Guide 2026 is available now via the CAMRA website.