The Swansea and Cardiff pubs added to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) best pubs guide have been revealed. The guide, celebrating its 52nd edition this year, is considered the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in UK pubs. In total, 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK are featured, with 322 in Wales. This edition introduces 69 new pub entries nationwide, covering areas from north-west to west Wales, and from mid to north-east and south-east.
For Cardiff, the new pubs added to the list include Lansdowne in the Canton area, Halfway in Pontcanna, and Lewis Arms in Tongwynlais. In Swansea, the Taproom in Mumbles was included as a new entry. Recognized for its “pie and a pint” offering, the pub opened in April last year. Other additions outside these areas include Dic Penderyn and Winchester in Merthyr Tydfil, Clwb y Bont in Pontypridd, Golden Mile in Corntown, Bear Hotel in Cowbridge, and Baileys Arms in Deri, Caerphilly.
The guide, compiled by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who annually select the best pubs across the UK, offers more detailed information in The Good Beer Guide 2025 book, available by ordering from CAMRA. Aside from the pub guide, CAMRA also organizes The Great British Beer Festival each year in August, celebrating beers produced nationwide. Last year, Welsh breweries were commended, with Diablo Dragons by Bradgy Twt Lol from Trefforest winning the gold certificate in the IPAs category, and Jemima’s Pitchfork ale from Glamorgan Brewing clinching the silver certificate in the Premium Bitter category.
The dedication of CAMRA volunteers in curating this guide highlights the rich pub culture present throughout Wales and the UK. With each new edition, beer enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore and discover the range of exceptional pubs offering quality pints and unique experiences.