A traditional inn found in the Cotswolds area of Oxfordshire has been acknowledged among the country’s leading pubs and is competing for a distinguished national prize.
The Prince of Burford, positioned on The Hill in Burford, has reached the final stage of the Oxfordshire Pub & Bar of the Year category within the forthcoming National Pub & Bar Awards, set to take place in June.
Managed by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, this well-regarded establishment will compete against more than 250 outstanding venues across the country.
Every contender is battling for the honour of being recognised as the county’s finest, with the ultimate aim of securing the designation of Britain’s top pub.
The National Pub & Bar Awards makes its return to the capital for its landmark 10th anniversary on Wednesday, June 10, celebrating 94 County Winners as the premier venues in their respective regions.
Jayson Perfect, Chief Operating Officer at Butcombe Group, said the venue embodies what the company stands for — genuine hospitality, quality drinks, and deep community connections. Being selected as an Oxfordshire Pub & Bar of the Year finalist is a tremendous achievement, reflecting the commitment, creativity, and consistency shown by the entire workforce. Such accolades matter because they shine a light on venues that uphold exceptional standards, and The Prince of Burford undeniably does. The team deserves congratulations, and the company is grateful for continued customer support while anticipating what June holds.
Over 250 Highly Commended pubs and bars will gather at the Grand Final, where the 2026 County Winners, Regional Winners, and the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year will be revealed.
Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which stages the occasion, noted that the expanded arrangement introduced in 2025 proved so popular that the organisers are keen to repeat it this year. The celebrations beginning from the extended Easter weekend to honour this year’s County Nominees and continuing through to the awards ceremony at the start of summer are the least this remarkable sector deserves. Their aim is straightforward — to champion these excellent venues.
The occasion will also unveil the Industry’s Choice Award, chosen by a panel of 400 specially selected judges, alongside the publicly voted Pub Group of the Year, Bar Group of the Year, and the Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award.
The National Pub & Bar Awards assesses multiple elements that shape the customer experience, including promotional activities, digital presence, décor, service quality, products, and financial investment.