Key Points
- Additional Pubs: Seven new venues in Bristol have been added to the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2027, these include the Watershed’s cinema bar, the Backwell Village Club, the Druid’s Arms in Stanton Drew, the Grace on Gloucester Road, the New Inn in Blagdon, the Nova Scotia in Hotwells, and the Settle Inn in Portishead.
- Coverage of the Area: In total there are 64 pubs listed in the 2027 national guide within the Campaign for Real Ale’s Bristol & District branch area, with a total of 4,500 pubs throughout the UK featured in this publication.
- Long Running Pubs: There are 14 pubs in Bristol that have achieved continuous coverage in the guide for the past 10 years and more, with examples of such being The Bag of Nails, The Barley Mow and The Cornubia.
- Criteria: All listings are independent and based on thorough assessment and numerous visits by CAMRA members during one year period.
- Official Launch: The 2027 guide will be officially launched this Friday between 12 and 6 pm at Left Handed Giant in Finzels Reach according to journalist Martin Booth of Bristol24/7.
Bristol (Bristol Express News) September 24, 2026 – Sipping a pint while enjoying a film has officially superseded traditional popcorn for many visitors to the Watershed, as the cultural venue’s commitment to high-standard beer receives prestigious national recognition. As reported by journalist Martin Booth of Bristol24/7, the Watershed is proudly listed among seven fresh additions from the Bristol area to make it into the esteemed Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide 2027. The comprehensive national publication showcases 4,500 of the finest pubs across the United Kingdom, with exactly 64 of those distinguished locations situated within the CAMRA Bristol & District branch territory.
Which New Venues Have Joined the Bristol Section of the Good Beer Guide 2027?
Alongside the Watershed’s cinema bar, the 2027 edition marks the first time several other local establishments have earned a coveted spot in the directory. As detailed by journalist Martin Booth of Bristol24/7, these new entries comprise the Backwell Village Club, the Druid’s Arms situated in Stanton Drew, the Grace located on Gloucester Road, the New Inn in Blagdon, the historic Nova Scotia in Hotwells, and the Settle Inn based in Portishead.
Which Long-standing Bristol Pubs Retained Their Places?
While new venues celebrate their debut, a dedicated group of local stalwarts continue to fly the flag for Bristol’s historic brewing heritage. As highlighted by journalist Martin Booth of Bristol24/7, there are 14 pubs across the Bristol region that have maintained an unbroken presence in the Good Beer Guide for at least the past ten consecutive years.
This resilient group includes:
- The Bag of Nails, Hotwells
- The Barley Mow, St Philip’s
- The Catherine Wheel, Marshfield
- The Cornubia, Redcliffe
- The Crown Inn, Churchill
- The Drapers Arms, Gloucester Road
- The Duke of York, St Werburgh’s
- The Gryphon, Colston Street
- The Horseshoe, Chipping Sodbury
- The Hunters Lodge, Priddy
- The Lime Kiln, St George’s Road
- The Plough, Congresbury
- The Portcullis, Clifton Village
- The Rising Sun, Frampton Cotterell
How Are Pubs Selected for the CAMRA Good Beer Guide?
Maintaining complete editorial and evaluative independence, the Good Beer Guide compiles its listings based strictly on thorough assessments carried out by local CAMRA members. Shedding light on the intense selection procedure, CAMRA Bristol & District branch chair Richard Brooks stated, as reported by journalist Martin Booth of Bristol24/7, that “those 64 pubs were the subject of many visits and much debate amongst local members over the last 12 months, and many more pubs were nominated than we have space for.”
Mr Brooks added, regarding the fierce competition, that “as is the case every year the selection procedure was particularly close in our branch area and a number of pubs that serve quality real ale have narrowly missed out on inclusion.” Emphasising the prestige associated with the directory, he noted that “a place in the guide is much sought after by all licensees who are serious about keeping real ale, so commiserations to those pubs that are not included.” Furthermore, Mr Brooks explained that missing out “doesn’t automatically mean that you don’t sell good quality beer, but as the competition continues to increase we are restricted to including the pubs with the very best beer.”
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When and Where Is the Official Guide Launch Taking Place?
Local enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the latest edition will not have to wait long. As noted by journalist Martin Booth of Bristol24/7, the 2027 edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide launches this week on Friday, running from midday to 6pm at Left Handed Giant, located in Finzels Reach.
Background of the Particular Development
The inclusion of diverse venues like the Watershed’s cinema bar and rural clubs in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide reflects a broader evolution in British pub culture. Over recent years, consumer preferences have shifted towards experiential drinking spots where craft and real ale intersect with cultural hubs, community spaces, and non-traditional hospitality venues. CAMRA’s rigorous, volunteer-led evaluation process has continuously adapted to these trends while maintaining strict quality benchmarks for cask-conditioned real ale, ensuring that historic taprooms stand shoulder-to-shoulder with modern multi-use cultural spaces.
This development significantly elevates the profile of the newly listed establishments, likely driving increased footfall from both local real ale enthusiasts and cultural tourists visiting Bristol. For independent licensees, securing a spot in the guide acts as a powerful marketing badge of honor that can boost mid-week trade and bolster business resilience against rising operational costs. Conversely, those that narrowly missed out may face heightened pressure to refine their cellar management and beer offerings to stay competitive in one of the UK’s most vibrant pub markets.
