Key Points
- Eight East London pubs have been newly included in CAMRA’s Best Beer Guide 2026.
- The pubs span several boroughs: Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, and Redbridge.
- Recognised pubs include The Empress in Hackney, The Crown in Leytonstone, and others.
- CAMRA officials praised the pubs for their dedication to quality real ale and community spirit.
- The inclusion supports the promotion of high-quality cask ales and local pub culture.
- The Best Beer Guide is the UK’s definitive annual listing of pubs serving the best beers.
- Local pub owners and staff expressed pride and excitement at the inclusion.
- The Best Beer Guide highlights pubs nationwide supporting traditional brewing and friendly atmospheres.
What East London Pubs Were Added to CAMRA’s Best Beer Guide 2026?
As reported by Ben Roche of the Newham Recorder, eight East London pubs have been newly added to the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Best Beer Guide 2026. These include:
- The Empress, Homerton, Hackney
- The Crown in Leytonstone, Waltham Forest
- The George in Leytonstone, Waltham Forest
- The Rose in Stratford, Newham
- The Pear Tree in Forest Gate, Newham
- The Broadway in Stratford, Newham
- The Redbridge Arms in Redbridge
- The Joiners Arms in Hackney
These pubs were selected for their excellent range of real ales, atmosphere, and dedication to traditional brewing values.
Why Were These Pubs Recognised in the Best Beer Guide?
According to the CAMRA East London branch representatives, these venues were chosen following thorough inspections by CAMRA members for outstanding cask ale offerings, quality customer service, and community involvement. The guide’s editor emphasised, “This year’s East London inclusions continue to showcase the area’s growing reputation for quality real ale and vibrant pub culture.” The pubs also represent CAMRA’s commitment to supporting local pubs that maintain authenticity and foster welcoming environments.
How Does This Recognition Affect the Pubs and Local Community?
Matthew Collins, manager of The Empress in Hackney, told Newham Recorder, “Being featured in CAMRA’s Best Beer Guide is a great honour that helps us highlight our commitment to great beer and a warm community atmosphere. It also attracts beer lovers from across London to East London.” Such recognition often leads to an increase in visitors and supports the vitality of local pubs, which remain important social hubs. The inclusion also reflects growing interest in traditional brewing methods and quality over mass-produced beer.
What Is the Significance of CAMRA’s Best Beer Guide?
CAMRA’s Best Beer Guide is an authoritative annual publication celebrating the finest pubs serving cask-conditioned ales in the UK. It is highly respected by beer enthusiasts and the hospitality sector for endorsing quality, supporting independent breweries, and encouraging the preservation of traditional British pub culture. The guide influences consumer choices and plays a key role in sustaining the pub industry.
What Has Been the Reaction from Pub Patrons and the Beer Community?
Local regulars have welcomed the news enthusiastically. Sarah Thompson, a regular patron of The Pear Tree, said, “It’s wonderful to see our favourite local pubs recognised on such an important guide. It means a lot for the community and encourages us to keep supporting these fantastic establishments.” CAMRA representatives also expressed pride in the collaborative effort between inspectors and pub owners to elevate East London’s pub standards.
What Else Does the CAMRA Best Beer Guide 2026 Feature?
Alongside the East London selections, the guide features hundreds of pubs across the UK, from longstanding favourites to exciting new venues that offer quality real ales. It promotes beer diversity, community value, and sustainability efforts being adopted by many pubs. CAMRA continues to advocate for real ale appreciation and pub culture preservation throughout the nation.
