In a year where more independent brewers closed than opened, Gloucestershire remains steadily planted on the map of some of the best pubs in the UK, with more than 60 making it into the top rated selection showcased in the Good Beer Guide 2026 from The Campaign for Real Ale.
What is the CAMRA Good Beer Guide?
Released annually since 1971, the CAMRA Good Beer Guide signposts hops-lovers to the best beer in the UK.
Using an 'independent, volunteer-led selection process', the list of pubs is a trusted source for those looking for great cask ales across the country.
This year's edition of the guide comes with a stark warning, with CAMRA's latest figures showing a drop in brewery numbers in the UK, particularly small and independent brewers – of which CAMRA stresses are 'vital to consumer choice.'
The release of the 2026 guide is not only a showcase of the best of the British pub, but a call for the chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget, as CAMRA chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins, said: 'It’s time for the government to decide if they’re pro pubs and independent brewers or if they are going to reign over the demise of the great British pub.
'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.
'The chancellor needs to use the upcoming Budget to slash the tax burden on pubs, including VAT, duty and National Insurance contributions.'
Which Gloucestershire pubs are featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2026?
61 Gloucestershire pubs feature in this year's guide, from cosy local favourites in the Cotswolds to trendy micropubs in the Forest of Dean.
Some of this year's Gloucestershire CAMRA-approved pubs include The Beehive and Sandford Park Ale House in Cheltenham; The Ebrington Arms and the Eight Bells Inn in the Cotswolds; Dr Foster and The Drunken Duck in Gloucester; The Dog House Micro Pub and The Dog and Muffler in the Forest of Dean; The Old Spot Inn in Stroud; The Black Bear in Tewkesbury; and many more!
How do pubs get into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide?
More than 4,500 urbans and rural pubs feature in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, each with helpful details for readers, from opening hours to food menus and pub history – pubs are often put through the process of becoming an Asset of Community Value (ACV) via local councils too.
Every pub featured in the guide are independently nominated, tested and scored by CAMRA members and volunteers across the UK.
The scoring system starts at zero, in which no cask ales are available, up to a top score of five for the best quality beer – aka 'the best you can find'.
Each CAMRA branch across the country then collates the scores to curate and produce the Good Beer Guide.
The full guide can be purchased via the CAMRA website now.
