The Telegraph has launched its Guide to the 650 Best Pubs across the UK. With a focus on unique character, history and good beer, these venues represent the very best the country has to offer.
Following the success of the 500 Best Pubs in England guide in 2025, the guide has been expanded to include an additional 150 pubs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To help pub lovers navigate the selection of pubs, a bespoke tool lets users search by postcode or county. There are also filters – such as “pets welcome”, “beer garden” and “overnight stay” – to further their search.
The pubs have been selected by The Telegraph’s panel of pub experts, using the same criteria established last year – a welcoming, lively atmosphere, high-quality drinks and a strong sense of community.
Will Hawkes returns as the pub expert for England and is joined by new experts for Scotland; Robin McKelvie and Mike MacEacheran; David Atkinson and Kerry Walker for Wales and Nicola Brady for Northern Ireland.
This year, The Telegraph has been campaigning to save Britain’s pubs, chronicling the economic pressures crippling the hospitality industry – as an average of four pubs per day close in 2026. The Telegraph’s 650 Best Pubs Guide aims to encourage people to discover some of the UK’s finest venues.
Will Hawkes, The Telegraph’s beer, food and travel journalist, said: “Despite desperate operating conditions, Britain still has hundreds of magnificent pubs, offering warmth, atmosphere, character and fantastic drinks. You'll find the best of the best in our guide.
“This year, we have expanded the guide to cover all of the UK, meaning there are now great pubs to discover from Shetland all the way down to Lands End. My colleagues and I have spent the first part of the year scouring the nation to find these magnificent pubs - a truly joyous experience. We're sure that readers will enjoy discovering these amazing pubs as much as we did.”
The 13 Derbyshire pubs that feature in The Telegraph’s pub guide can be found below.
1. Flying Childers Inn, Stanton in Peak
The Flying Childers Inn at Stanton in Peak has been named among the country’s best pubs by The Daily Telegraph. This pub was created when four cottages were knocked into one building back in the 18th century - and was named after a famous racehorse owned by the Duke of Devonshire. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Chesterfield Arms, Newbold Road, Chesterfield
The Chesterfield Arms - found on the edge of the town centre - was named the town’s pub of the year for 2026 by CAMRA. The venue has won the award for three consecutive years, and is also home to a micro-brewery called Resting Devil. Photo: Brian Eyre
3. The Red Lion, Litton
The Red Lion at Litton is an 18th century Peak District pub - popular for its steak and ale pies. Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Holly Bush Inn, Holly Bush Lane, Makeney
This 17th century Derbyshire pub certainly has a unique history. It was said to have been frequented by highwayman Dick Turpin - and it is still open today. Photo: Google