The Five Bells has been crowned Swindon and North Wiltshire Pub of the Year for 2026 by Campaign for Real Ale.
It is the fourth consecutive year the Wood Street pub in Bassett has taken the title. The latest win continues a remarkable run of success stretching back almost two decades.
The award is organised by CAMRA, which assesses pubs on beer quality, atmosphere, customer service, community focus and overall experience.
According to the Swindon and North Wiltshire branch, the Five Bells has now appeared in the Good Beer Guide for 25 consecutive years. It is an achievement managed by very few pubs across the country.
The pub is believed to date from before 1841 and remains a traditional thatched free house. It has built a reputation for its historic interior, open fires and welcoming atmosphere.
CAMRA has described it as a “busy and cosy traditional local”. The pub offers seven hand pumps serving a rotating selection of cask ales.
The range regularly includes beers from Wiltshire breweries such as Hop Kettle Brewing Company. Changing guest ales are also a key part of its appeal.
Landlords Simon and Becci Cole, and son Herbie, along with their staff, were congratulated following the announcement. In a social media post marking the award, the pub thanked customers for their continued support.
The recognition comes at a time when many pubs across Britain are facing significant challenges. Rising energy bills, increased staffing costs and changing drinking habits have all placed pressure on the sector.
CAMRA says its Pub of the Year awards are designed not only to celebrate excellent beer, but also to recognise pubs that remain at the heart of their communities. Branch volunteers inspect and score pubs throughout the year before selecting their winners.
For Royal Wootton Bassett, the continued success of the Five Bells highlights the ongoing appeal of independent, characterful pubs. While some high streets have become increasingly dominated by national chains, long established venues such as the Five Bells continue to attract loyal local support.
The pub will now move forward in CAMRA’s wider competition structure. Local winners go on to compete at county and regional level, with the potential to progress to the national finals.
Whether or not it advances further, the latest title reinforces the Five Bells’ standing as one of Wiltshire’s most consistently recognised traditional pubs.
