The Cockpit in Chislehurst has been named among the four best pubs in the UK by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The pub, which opened in December 2020, is now in the running for CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2026, having already been crowned Greater London Pub of the Year for the first time.
Licensee's Reaction to the Recognition
Adam Miller, licensee of The Cockpit, expressed his surprise and delight at the news. "What boggling news this is to receive," he said. "It has caused a frenzy of frenetic jubilation amongst us staff and stalwarts at The Cockpit."
Miller highlighted the pub's focus on quality and community. "This is a pub stripped back to basics, where the pristinity of our ales, ciders, food and wine speak to the uncompromising standards of the producers that grace our floorboards, along with our punters' intangible whimsies seasoning the atmosphere so dotingly, it is a truly treasured environment to serve such a convivial community," he added.
What Makes The Cockpit Special
The Cockpit offers a selection of cask beers from small breweries across the country, served from a cold room behind the small bar. Despite sharing its building with a florist, the pub provides generous indoor seating along with high tables and benches at the rear.
The pub now joins three other regional winners in the running for the national title: the Turks Head in St Helens, the Countryman’s Inn in Hunton, and the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth.
CAMRA Officials Praise the Final Four
Ellie Eames, director of CAMRA Greater London, said: "I am delighted that the Cockpit won our Greater London Pub of the Year award and has now been judged among the top four pubs nationally. I have been there several times this year and always enjoy my visits."
Andrea Briers, CAMRA Pub of the Year Coordinator, commented on the achievement: "I’m so proud of our final four pubs for 2026. Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived, but thrived. All four are amazing places that are definitely worth a visit, whether you want a top-quality pint, or just a brilliant community-orientated vibe."
The super-regional and final rounds of the competition are sponsored by CAMRA’s Beer Quality Partner, Avani Solutions, and Technology Partner, ICRTouch.
