The Hope, in West Street, has now claimed the title seven times in the past 14 years.
It last won in 2023 and is one of 16 regional winners across the UK in 2025.
All will go forward to compete for CAMRA’s national Pub of the Year, with the overall winner to be announced in January 2026.
CAMRA said its judges looked for “great atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.”
The Hope was taken over by a group of regulars in 2009 when it was threatened with closure.
Today it is owned by 46 local shareholders, with no one allowed to hold more than 24 per cent.
The only way to become a shareholder now is to inherit or to have worked behind the bar for five years.
Rodger Molyneux, licensee and part of the founding group, previously told Newsquest London: “There are certain pumps where the beer changes regularly, but it’ll always be something similar. If you like a four per cent pale, you’ll always find one.
“We keep two beers on permanently – Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter and Downton New Forest Ale – partly for some of our older regulars who don’t like to switch too much.”
With growing demand over the years, sourcing has evolved.
What used to be road trips to pick up barrels from Manchester now arrives via pallet deliveries.
The team still makes an effort to stock local breweries where possible, including through CAMRA’s ‘LocAle’ scheme.
The emphasis isn’t just on the drink. In a London landscape increasingly filled with gastropubs and chain venues, The Hope has found its identity by staying, unapologetically, a proper pub.
Asked why someone should give The Hope a try, Rodger said: “It’s bigger than it looks from the outside. We try to blend traditional and modern.
“We’ve worked hard. Everything we serve earns its place on the bar. And if you’re not sure what to have – just ask for a taster. We’d rather you find something you enjoy.”
CAMRA said this year’s competition comes as many pubs face rising costs, heavy tax burdens and high business rates.
The organisation is urging the Government to provide targeted support to help pubs survive.
CAMRA’s Pub of the Year co-ordinator Andrea Briers said: “It is a real pleasure to announce this year’s top 16 pubs, each of which has demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities.
“These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special, from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all.
“Achieving this in the face of rising costs and other pressures is no small feat, and we want to see these pubs, and thousands of others like them, continue to thrive.
“That’s why we’re calling on the chancellor to give pubs a fair deal in the Autumn Budget, so they can keep serving their communities for many years to come.”
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