Each year CAMRA organises championship rounds to determine the best Pub of the Year. The rounds start with voting by branches for their nominations in each county they represent and these then go head to head with those pubs submitted by other CAMRA branches within that same county. These then go onto the regional finalists for West Midlands and then to the final Pub of the Year for the UK.

The Shakespeare CAMRA awards pubs the title of Branch Pub of the Year – one for Warwickshire branch area and one for the Worcestershire branch area.

Shakespeare CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025 (Warwickshire)

Shakespeare CAMRA Pub of the Year (Warwickshire) 2025 has been awarded to Thirst Edition, Shipston. A presentation has been arranged for Wednesday 30th April 2025, from 8pm.

Shakespeare CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025 (Worcestershire)

Shakespeare CAMRA Pub of the Year (Worcestershire) 2025 has been awarded to Fleece Inn, Bretforton. A presentation by Lloyd Evans, Chair of Shakespeare CAMRA took place on Monday 7th April 2025.

The Fleece is a pub full of rustic charm throughout, with its stone flagged floors, inglenook fireplaces and cosy bar which always seems to be busy. It is one of Britain’s best Real Heritage pubs and it houses a world-famous collection of 17th century pewter.

The Fleece takes full advantage of its market garden location, utilising fresh, seasonal and locally grown fruit and vegetables, and they get at least 30 per cent of their food from within a 30-mile radius of Evesham. The stars of the show though are their award-winning handmade pies which have won gold at the British Pie Awards.

Being an active part of the community, this historic pub has a series of events to enjoy this month, from spring singing to asparagus and from Morris Dancing to St George's Day celebrations. It is also dog friendly and has been awarded a one pawprint award by the National Trust.

Examples of this community involvement were evident this weekend when the Fleece was playing host to the Sing in the Spring, whilst the seasonal menu showcasing asparagus starts on Wednesday, April 23, which will be 'launched in style by Gus & St George'. The launch of the British Asparagus Festival will feature a host of classic cars followed by Morris dancing in the evening.

Further to this the last in the current season of Father Brown was shot at the pub, which was renamed the Red Lion for the wedding celebrations of Mrs Devine and Chief Inspector Sullivan.

Landlord Nigel Smith has successfully run the pub now for over 20 years and not only has he made it the heart and soul of village life, but he’s also found time to ring the church bells and be an active member of the local Morris dancing troupe.

The pub regularly offers ales from Uley Brewery and Wye Valley Brewery, both celebrating 40 years this year, along with the local Purity offerings. Guest beers also appear frequently and this year they have included Riggwelter, Northern Rising (a collaboration between Northern Monk and Timothy Taylors) and Uley Pigor Mortis.

It would fair to say that Nigel Smith, the landlord, is very hands-on in the running of the pub and the numerous events celebrating traditional rural life. Nigel’s dedication to the history and love of the pub is infectious. He is also supported by a fantastic team of welcoming and knowledgeable staff, and to the wonderful regulars who have become very much a community in their own right.

In our opinion there could not be a more deserving winner for the Pub of the Year than the Fleece Inn Bretforton and we have great pleasure in presenting this award to Nigel.

Nigel thanked Shakespeare CAMRA for their recognition, and commented on the challenges currently facing landlords.