West Sussex pubs shortlisted as UK’s best celebrated in national awards
More than 250 pubs and bars across the UK are raising a glass this Easter after being recognised in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 – with several venues in West Sussex among those shortlisted for top honours.
The annual awards, which mark their ten-year anniversary this year, celebrate the very best of the UK’s hospitality sector, naming standout venues in counties across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A total of 252 pubs and bars have been shortlisted nationwide, with winners set to be revealed at a grand final in London on Wednesday, June 10.
Representing West Sussex on the national stage are The Crown at Turners Hill, The George at Burpham, and The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, all of which have been recognised as among the county’s leading pubs.
They join other shortlisted venues from across the South East, including entries in neighbouring counties such as Hampshire, Surrey and East Sussex, highlighting the region’s strength in hospitality.
Organised by Pub & Bar magazine, the awards assess venues on a wide range of criteria shaping the customer experience – from marketing and digital presence to service, design and overall offer.
More than 250 venues have been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ status and invited to attend the grand final, where the 94 county winners will be announced, alongside regional champions and the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year.
Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine – which hosts the event – said the extended celebration reflects the importance of the sector:
He 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.
"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.”
In addition to the main awards, the event will also reveal the Industry’s Choice Award – decided by a panel of 400 industry experts – as well as consumer-voted categories including Pub Group of the Year and Bar Group of the Year.
With judging spanning everything from style and service to investment and innovation, the awards aim to showcase the diversity and quality of Britain’s pub and bar scene.
For the West Sussex nominees, the recognition places them firmly among the country’s elite – with all eyes now on June’s final to see if one of them can secure county or even national glory.