MP raises the bar again with Pub of Year competition
MP for Bridlington and the Wolds, Charlie Dewhirst, has launched his 2026 Local Pub of the Year Competition, open to any pub or bar across his constituency.
His annual competition aims to shine a spotlight on the fantastic pubs that are at the heart of East Yorkshire’s towns and villages, recognising the crucial role they play in our communities – from providing local jobs and supporting our local economy, to bringing people together.
In Bridlington and The Wolds, the beer and pubs sector contributes £41 million to the local economy and supports 1,510 local jobs, part of £34 billion in Gross Value Added and over one million jobs to the wider UK economy.
Anyone can submit a nomination – whether a regular, visiting customer, staff member, or the landlord themselves. Voting is open now at charliedewhirst.uk/puboftheyear2026. The deadline for entries is Saturday 31st October 2026, with winners to be announced shortly afterwards.
Voters can nominate their favourite across the following categories: Best High Street Pub, Best Rural Pub, Best Pub Grub, Best Beer Garden, Best Pub Live Entertainment, and Best Staff and Service. All responses also count towards the overall Pub of the Year 2026.
The competition comes at a time when the hospitality sector continues to face increasing pressure from Government tax increases and regulations. The average pub is making just 12p profit on a pint after taxes and costs. While Charlie Dewhirst MP continues to fight for pubs in Parliament, this is also an opportunity to celebrate them closer to home.
A number of new pubs have also opened locally in the last 12 months, including The Dublin Inn and The Flying Pig, while the Kings Arms reopened after a gap under new management, all in Bridlington.
Charlie Dewhirst MP said: “Our part of East Yorkshire is amazingly lucky to be home to almost 100 brilliant pubs and bars, keeping the heart of our community flowing!
“Last year, over 1,200 pub goers in Bridlington, Driffield, Market Weighton, Hornsea and The Wolds nominated their favourite local, and it's time to celebrate again with a competition to crown the best local pub 2026.
“Each of our local pubs has its own unique merits and offering. This competition is a chance to celebrate them, recognise their contributions, and provide them with well-deserved promotion.
“You can vote now at charliedewhirst.uk/puboftheyear2026 – then perhaps drop in and let them know you have done so over a pint or glass of something.
“The tax and regulation challenges for pubs and hospitality, like many other small businesses, just keep coming, so I hope this will prove another good opportunity to show our appreciation and support for the pubs at the heart of East Yorkshire.”