An opticians-turned-micropub in Dursley has seen off competition to be crowned CAMRA Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2026.
The annual Cider and Perry Pub of the Year accolade recognises the country's best pub or club promoting the sale of quality real cider and perry.
The Hoptician saw off a previous winner to take the title – a feat made even more impressive because the venue has only been open for two and a half years.
Licensees Kerry and Kevin Farmer toured some of the UK's best micropubs before taking on the former optician's shop to create their own, despite not knowing where Dursley was.
The pair transformed the space into a quirky bar with around 20 different ciders and five cask beers available at any time, and a unique interior with old-fashioned pump clips, cinema seats, vintage games machine and record player, and even a friendly mannequin with regularly changing outfits. It also has a beer garden in the summer.
Their gamble paid off with The Hoptician fast becoming a popular community hub, hosting music, DJ and open mic nights, charity quizzes, and even golf trips, as well as being a hotspot for Gloucestershire cider fans.
Kirsty said: 'We are immensely grateful and honoured to have received such a high accolade after just two and a half years. It really is down to the amazing community in Dursley for all their continued support.
'We think it’s a privilege to be part of a positive story in the hospitality industry at this time when pubs are closing and struggling.'
National Cider and Perry Pub of the Year co-ordinator, Sarah Newson, added: 'The four finalists this year were of a very high standard, so it was particularly impressive for The Hoptician to be overall winner for 2026 as it only opened in 2024.
'It provides a showcase for quality real cider and perry, with local producers at the forefront. All wrapped up in a lovely quirky style, it's very friendly to all, and it is a real asset to the local community, where it is much appreciated and very popular.'
The Hoptician is open from 3pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 9pm Sunday, on Silver Street in Dursley.
