8 Inn Shortlisted for National Pub & Bar Awards
The Inn Collection Group is celebrating after eight of its inns have been shortlisted for this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards!
Organised in conjunction with Pub & Bar magazine and now in its ninth year, the National Pub & Bar Awards showcase the UK’s finest pubs and bars on a national scale, each year crowning the best venues within 94 counties across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We’re excited to see a vast selection of our inns nominated across multiple categories. From our seafront properties to lakeside townhouses, these dog-friendly inns are part of a 32-site strong estate, where you’ll fit right inn with delicious home-cooked food, well-kept drinks, and the friendliness of a traditional pub for all to enjoy.
In response to the multi-venue nominations, CEO Sean Donkin stated, “It’s fantastic to see so many of our venues being recognised for their hard work and tenacity.
“We are incredibly proud of how much we’ve achieved over the past few years, and these sites have been a massive part of our successes.
“We look forward to joining the other nominees later this summer for the awards ceremony in London.”
And the shortlisted venues are…
The Bull’s Head Inn
The 2024 Winner of the regional Pub & Bar of the Year award, this inn really hits the spot for those who enjoy great food and drink in the cosiest of surroundings.
Dating back to the 15th century, The Bull’s Head Inn is a Grade II listed Inn that retains all the character it has acquired over the last 550 years. Discover the Menai Strait and the Snowdonia Mountain ranges almost on our doorstep!
The Black Swan
Once the main stop for weary stagecoach travellers, The Black Swan in Helmsley dates back to the 15th century. This inn has been providing travellers with a warm welcome and famous hospitality for centuries.
An Elizabethan building on one end, a Tudor on the other and a Georgian House in the middle, The Black Swan is wonderfully higgledy-piggledy. With its inviting open fires, cosy armchairs and bags of history, The Black Swan is the perfect base to explore beautiful Helmsley and its nearby attractions.
The Kingslodge Inn
Combine the best of city living with the relaxed atmosphere of the countryside at this cosy, gem-of-an-inn in Durham. Surrounded by the peaceful woodland of Flass Vale, it’s hard to believe The Kingslodge Inn is just a ten-minute stroll from the heart of historic Durham with its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and adjoining Castle.
Voted best venue in County Durham in previous National Pub & Bar Awards and named by The Times as one of the ‘20 best places to stay in the UK with a dog’, The Kingslodge Inn has all the benefits of a city-centre location but with a laid-back, relaxed vibe.
The Lindisfarne Inn
The heart of ICG and our very first Pub with rooms! The award-winning Lindisfarne Inn is perfect for visiting Northumberland and for forays into Scotland. With great facilities for walkers and cyclists, enjoy a warm welcome and superb home-cooked meals at The Lindisfarne Inn, handily placed just off the A1, south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish Border.
Open all day, every day, this traditional pub is the ideal place to pause and enjoy superb pub food, local tipples or a relaxing night’s sleep. You’ll enjoy a taste of Northumberland at The Lindisfarne Inn.
Offshore
Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, Offshore officially reopened in March 2024 and has been occupying a prime position on the St Annes on Sea beach since.
Offshores’ 98 bedrooms (which include premium sea-view rooms, dog-friendly rooms and accessible accommodation) are perfectly placed to serve guests wishing to enjoy this special part of Lancashire.
Reacting to the shortlisting, Offshore general manager Sarah McIntosh said: “We’re so excited to have been named as a finalist for the 2025 awards, it is a real honour to be recognised and to have made a shortlist with so many brilliant candidates. We’re in excellent company!’
The Seaburn Inn
Nestled along the picturesque Seaburn and Roker beaches, The Seaburn Inn has quickly become a beloved retreat for locals and visitors since its grand opening in July 2021.
Boasting stunning sea views and a welcoming atmosphere, this seaside gem has left an indelible mark on Sunderland’s hospitality scene.
The Seaton Lane Inn
The last nominee for County Durham, but by no means least, with its quirky style and charm, The Seaton Lane Inn.
A traditional pub with rooms in the quiet village of Seaton, The Seaton Lane Inn is a favourite amongst the locals for their buzzing events calendar, including weekly quiz nights, live music and special food menus.
The Temperance Inn
Located in the heart of the Lakes’ walking capital of Ambleside, with its winding streets, lively atmosphere and surrounded by sublime mountain views, once a temperance establishment in the 1800s, these days The Temperance Inn is just the place to settle back with a glass in hand.
The lively Inn is a favoured stomping ground for locals and tourists alike. From freshly baked pizzas and locally inspired specials to hand-shaken cocktails and local tipples, The Temperance Inn has well and truly earned its place on the county’s shortlist.