The Cockpit, a micropub in Chislehurst, is one of four pubs in the running to be named the best in the UK.
The Royal Parade pub was named in the final four of the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Pub of the Year 2026 on 14 October.
The Campaign for Real Ale, a not-for-profit consumer group with more than 147,000 members, picks its winner in rounds, from local branch awards through regional and super-regional winners to a final four.
The Cockpit is the only London pub left in the contest, alongside the Turks Head in St Helens, the Countryman’s Inn in Hunton, North Yorkshire, and the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth.
Why the Cockpit made the final four
CAMRA calls it an “easy going and chatty pub” and “Chislehurst’s first micropub”.
It opened in December 2020, “at the height of the pandemic”, according to the campaign.
The pub “offers a choice of cask beers from small breweries from all over the country, served from a cold room behind the small bar”, CAMRA says.
It adds: “The premises are shared with a florist but it’s still a spacious pub with plenty of seating inside.”
This is the first year the Cockpit has won at regional and super-regional level, the campaign says.
It has been the Bromley branch’s Pub of the Year every year since 2023, and was runner-up for the regional title in 2025, according to Bromley CAMRA.
“Despite the well-documented challenges facing our pubs and brewers, these licensees have not just survived, but thrived,” said Andrea Briers, who coordinates the competition.
Licensee Adam Miller told CAMRA: “What boggling news this is to receive! It has caused a frenzy of frenetic jubilation amongst us staff and stalwarts at The Cockpit!”
He thanked the campaign “for recognising our little boozer with this accreditation; what splendid company to be in.”
Where to find the Cockpit
The pub is at 4 Royal Parade, BR7 6NR, and is named after the ancient cockpit a few minutes’ walk away on Chislehurst Common, CAMRA says.
Its own website describes “an independent, community driven micropub dedicated to exceptional gravity dispensed Cask Ale and Fine Cider”.
Food includes Neal’s Yard cheeses and Crown and Queue cured charcuterie, the pub says.
It opens from noon every day, until 10.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday and until 9.30pm on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, according to CAMRA.
Anyone using a mobile phone or swearing inside pays a £1 fine, CAMRA’s listing adds.
It is one of 17 pubs in Bromley borough in our guide.
CAMRA has not yet named its winner.
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