East Lothian pub in running to be crowned best in the UK
Staggs (the Volunteer Arms) in Musselburgh is the only Scottish entry in this year's National Pub of the Year shortlist
A family-owned pub in Musselburgh is in the running to be named the best in the UK this year.
Staggs – also known as the Volunteer Arms – has reached the final four of CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition for 2025 after months of judging.
The Victorian-style pub, which has been run by the same family since 1858, was crowned Scotland’s Pub of the Year in August and is the only remaining Scottish entry on the UK-wide shortlist.
Staggs co-owner Katie McKenzie said: “Nigel, Hayley and I are absolutely delighted to be in the final four of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition.
“It is a testament to our hard-working staff, the breweries who supply us with fantastic beer and the community who drink and socialise with us.
“Staggs is a special place to many, and we are grateful to everyone who plays a part in making us a community and more than just a pub.”
The final round of judging is now underway, with the winner to be announced at the start of 2026.
Described by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) as a “superb pub”, Staggs has a traditional bar and snug, wooden floors, wood panelling and mirrors from now closed local breweries.
Its Victorian gantry is topped with old spirit cask barrels, and it has a range of regularly changing cask beers.
The East Lothian bar previously picked up CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year in 1998 and reached the top four in 2018.
The four finalists for 2025 are:
• Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth
• Pelican Inn, Gloucester
• Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
• Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh
Beating thousands of entries to reach the top four, pubs have been judged on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s Pub of the Year coordinator, said: “I am delighted to announce who has reached the top pubs for 2025.
“It is always a hard-fought and close competition with judges having an incredibly difficult job whittling them down to just four.
“They are shining examples of what makes our pubs so incredibly special, vital to our communities and providing a wonderful welcome to all.
“I am very excited to see the outcome of the final round of judging and crowning our winner.”