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2026 Pub & Bar Awards county shortlist revealed – and four Wells & Co sites have been named

We’re proud to share that four Wells & Co pubs have been named in the 2026 Pub & Bar Awards county shortlist, a fantastic achievement that highlights the continued strength, diversity and quality of our estate.

The Tollemache Arms in Harrington. Northamptonshire, The Anchor in Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire, The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge and The Two Brewers in Northaw, Hertfordshire have all been recognised among the best venues in their respective counties. The awards celebrate excellence across the UK’s pub and bar sector, focusing on the overall customer experience, from service and atmosphere to food, drink and design.

Each of our shortlisted pubs reflects the individuality and entrepreneurial spirit that sits at the heart of our business.

The shortlist

The Tollemache Arms is an award-winning and well-loved village pub known for its warm welcome, characterful interiors, engaging events and strong food offer that blends classic dishes with a modern touch. It continues to serve as a true community hub while maintaining consistently high standards.

The Anchor combines traditional pub charm with a contemporary edge. With a focus on quality seasonal food and a carefully curated drinks range, it has built a reputation as a destination venue within Bedfordshire.

The Burleigh Arms stands out for its vibrant energy and commitment to delivering a premium pub experience. Its stylish setting, strong food and drink credentials and commitment to innovation make it a standout in the Cambridgeshire scene.

The Two Brewers offers a relaxed yet refined environment, balancing heritage features with a fresh, modern approach. Its attention to detail and consistent delivery have made it a firm favourite in Hertfordshire.

Benjamin Smith, Retail Director at Wells & Co, said: “To have four pubs recognised across different counties is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the strength of our estate. It speaks volumes about the innovation, entrepreneurialism and dedication of our operators, who continue to push boundaries and deliver outstanding experiences for our guests every day.”

The Awards

The Pub & Bar Awards are judged by industry experts and aim to showcase the very best of the UK’s hospitality sector. Being named in the county shortlist recognises venues that deliver a complete and compelling offer, making this achievement particularly meaningful for our teams. All the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 10th June.

Congratulations to all our brilliant partners who have been shortlisted and we wish all venues the very best of luck for the award finals.

The full shortlist can be found on the National Pub & Bar Awards website.

Tollemache Arms
The Tollemache Arms (Photo – The Tolly)
Anchor
The Anchor, Aspley Guise (Photo – The Anchor)
Burleigh Arms
Burleigh Arms, Cambridge
The Two Brewers
The Two Brewers, Northaw

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2026 Pub & Bar Awards county shortlist revealed – and four Wells & Co sites have been named

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