A 14th century Tudor inn named UK’s best pub

The 2024 pub of the year has been named, after The George Inn, Norton St. Philip, took home the top title at this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards.

The George, nestled in a quaint village just outside of Bath, is a stunning, historical venue owned by the Liberation Group. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle-like building was recently updated by the owner, with the work respecting and highlighting the pub’s many original and unique features.

Since the refurbishment, The George now sits within Liberation’s Butcombe Boutique Inns division, offering premium food, drink and accommodation made up of 13 charming bedrooms.

The National Pub & Bar Awards judges said they were impressed with the immaculate venue, as well as the quality food and drink offer across all of its menus. Despite being such a historical site, the judges noted how industry-leading the food and drink side of the business is.

“This is absolutely amazing,” says general manager Linda Johnson. “I’m so proud and so emotional. I’m just so passionate about my team, the company that supports us, and obviously The George Inn and what we’re all about.”

“These guys really deserve it,” adds Alice Bowyer, director of food at the Liberation Group. “It’s the combination of the setting, the history of the building, the investment that we’ve put into the business and, most importantly, the team and family culture they’ve created there. I’m just absolutely buzzing for these guys. It’s so well deserved.”

The George was also one of 13 pubs to be named as the best in its Region at the National Pub & Bar Awards, which brings together 94 pubs and bars from across the UK, each one having been awarded the title for the best in its county back in April.

From these County Winners, 13 Regional Winners were announced (see below) at 30 Euston Square in London, before The George was crowned National Pub & Bar of the Year.

The National Pub & Bar Awards, headline sponsored by Tyrrells, also handed out three other accolades on the evening. Pub Group of the Year went to Nottingham’s Castle Rock Brewery; Bar Group of the Year was awarded to The Blues Kitchen; and the inaugural Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award went to Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars’ Fitzherbert Arms.

The 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards was headline sponsored by Tyrrells and sponsored by ICRTouch, Kerrymaid, Panasonic, Santa Maria and Sky Business. Drinks were supplied on the night by Daymer Bay, Majestic Commercial, Mix with Britvic and In Good Company Brewing Co.

The National Pub & Bar Awards 2024 Winners

East Midlands, The Tollemache Arms
East of England, Galvin Green Man
London, The Audley Public House
North East, The Bay Horse, Darlington
North West, Cholmondeley Arms
Northern Ireland, The Dirty Duck Alehouse
North Scotland, Macgochans
South Scotland, Vic’s, Prestwick
South East, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath
South West, The George Inn, Norton St. Philip
Wales, The Bull’s Head Inn, Beaumaris
West Midlands, The Tally Ho Inn, Bouldon
Yorkshire and the Humber, The Harrogate Inn
Pub Group of the Year, Castle Rock Brewery
Bar Group of the Year, The Blues Kitchen
The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award, Fitzherbert Arms
National Pub & Bar of the Year, The George Inn, Norton St. Philip