SOME of the best pubs in the Dudley area have been recognised in the Good Beer Guide 2025.

The guide, published annually by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), is the UK's best-selling beer and pub guide and a vital resource for ensuring the future of pubs across the UK.

The publication lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK and is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation.

Eight popular watering holes in the Dudley area are among 118 in the West Midlands featured in the guide which is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time each year to select the best of the best across the UK.

The Dudley area pubs included in the guide are:

Dudley:

Malt Shovel

The Malt Shovel, Tower Street, DudleyThe Malt Shovel, Tower Street, Dudley (Image: Google)

Known as the Lord Wellington in the 19th century, this trendy town-centre establishment is now part of the Red Pub Co portfolio and offers a popular balance of both locally-produced cask beers and modern, national brews on the bar. Yorkshire breweries are often showcased. Classic benches contrast with high stools and there are a small number of gaming and betting machines. Serves Holden’s Golden Glow; Wye Valley Butty Bach; three changing beers - often Abbeydale, Oakham.

Lower Gornal:

Fountain Inn

Fountain Inn, Temple Street, Lower GornalFountain Inn, Temple Street, Lower Gornal (Image: Google)

A destination for quality real ales and pub food. To the rear, the courtyard with bench tables has been refurbished to a high standard. Up to 10 real ales are served. There is an elevated, separate restaurant to the rear. Serves Greene King Abbot; Hobsons Town Crier; Wye Valley HPA, Butty Bach; six changing beers - often Fountain Ales.

Upper Gornal:

The Britannia

The Britannia, Kent Street, Upper GornalThe Britannia, Kent Street, Upper Gornal (Image: Google)

Dating from the early 19th century, the Britannia has been identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic pub interior because of the taproom at the rear with its wall-mounted handpulls. There’s a comfortable front bar plus a family/games room with a TV. Behind the building is the former brewhouse and garden. Large cobs and pork pies are sold. Serves Bathams Mild Ale, Best Bitter.

Jolly Crispin

Jolly Crispin, Clarence Street, Upper GornalJolly Crispin, Clarence Street, Upper Gornal (Image: Google)

A popular free house brought under the Red Pub Company umbrella in 2021. Changing beers are sourced from an array of breweries. There’s a spacious lounge and also a smaller bar and an outbuilding with largescreen TVs showing sport. Crusty cobs are available every day, with fillings such as hot pork with stuffing and roast potatoes on Friday and Saturday. Regular tap takeovers and beer festivals are held. Serves Abbeydale Absolution; Oakham Citra, Bishops Farewell; five changing beers - often Blue Bee, Neepsend, Saltaire.

READ MORE: Stourbridge pubs recognised in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2025

READ MORE: String of Halesowen pubs recognised in Good Beer Guide

Sedgley:

Beacon Hotel

The Beacon Hotel, Bilston Street, SedgleyThe Beacon Hotel, Bilston Street, Sedgley (Image: Google)

A unique destination pub, the brewery tap for Sarah Hughes also offers progressive guest beers. This Grade II listed pub is brimming with character, and is deservedly popular. The biggest selling beer by some margin is the award-winning Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild. The large garden has children’s play facilities and hosts various annual events such as Black Country Day. Serves Sarah Hughes Pale Amber, Sedgley Surprise, Dark Ruby Mild; two changing beers.

White Lion Inn

White Lion Inn, Bilston Street, SedgleyWhite Lion Inn, Bilston Street, Sedgley (Image: Google)

Large wet-only pub serving a range of pale and often hoppy beers. Popular with TV sports fans. What was previously the restaurant is now a quieter drinking lounge, also used for meetings and functions. There is a small garden with benches at the rear. Serves Oakham Bishops Farewell; three changing beers - often Olde Swan, Salopian, Thornbridge.

Brierley Hill:

Rose & Crown

The Rose and Crown, Bank Street, Brockmoor, Brierley HillThe Rose and Crown, Bank Street, Brockmoor, Brierley Hill (Image: Google)

This traditional pub was originally two terraced properties. One end of the bar is dominated by a dartboard. A conservatory provides extra space and is used as a function room, opening onto a small garden with tables and benches. Holden’s seasonal beers are rotated. Serves Holden’s Black Country Bitter, Golden Glow, Special; one changing beer - often Holden’s.

The Vine

The Vine, Delph Road, Brierley HillThe Vine, Delph Road, Brierley Hill (Image: Google)

An unspoilt brewery tap with an ornately decorated façade. An elongated pub with a labyrinthine feel, the front bar is traditional, while the larger rear room has its own servery, leather seating and a dartboard. The homely lounge was partly converted from former brewery offices. Local specialties such as faggots and home-made pies are served weekdays, with rolls and pork pies at all times. Serves Bathams Mild Ale, Best Bitter.

The Good Beer Guide 2025 is on sale now and is available online from https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/ 

Emmerdale’s Woolpack Inn and Coronation Street’s Rovers Return feature on the front covers of the Good Beer Guide 2025Emmerdale’s Woolpack Inn and Coronation Street’s Rovers Return feature on the front covers of the Good Beer Guide 2025 (Image: CAMRA)

The guide is celebrating its 52nd edition with not one but two covers featuring two of the UK’s favourite locals: Coronation Street’s Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale’s Woolpack.

CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “The Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack represent the UK’s love of their local, and to have them featured on the covers for this year’s Guide is very exciting.

"CAMRA’s mission is to ensure support from the Government as well as tangible legislation to protect pubs in this country.”