Kelham Island Tavern crowned Sheffield's Pub of the Year for a 19th time

In a city famous for its pubs, one name keeps coming out on top. The Kelham Island Tavern has been named the overall 2026 Pub of the Year by CAMRA Sheffield & District, as well as the winner for the Kelham Island and Neepsend area. It is the 19th time the pub has taken the Sheffield title, a record the branch says is highly unlikely to be overtaken.

The overall winner is chosen by judges who visit each of the area winners, which are voted for by CAMRA members, and score them against nationally set criteria. The Tav, as it is fondly known, also made history as the first pub to be named CAMRA National Pub of the Year two years running, in 2008 and 2009.

The building on Russell Street dates from the 1830s, when it was built as part of a terrace. It originally traded as the Sawmaker, was later renamed the White Hart, and became the Kelham Island Tavern in 1995 before closing in 1999. In March 2002 the derelict building was bought and reopened as a real ale pub, and it has thrived ever since.

Today Josh and Louise and their team keep the bar stocked with a wide range of cask and craft beers, always including a porter, a stout and plenty of IPAs and bitters, with at least one beer from local brewery Blue Bee. A simple snack menu includes pork pies, and there is an excellent rear beer garden.

Our Favourite Places captures the pub's charm perfectly, describing it as the jewel of the Sheffield real ale quarter. In summer, its palm tree-lined beer garden is a draw for folk music and real ale fans, and in winter there are nooks, an open fire and a friendly pub cat. Monday is quiz night and Sunday brings a folk and acoustic evening.

CAMRA's verdict is simple: the pub maintains the standards to which many others aspire. The branch arranged to present the 2026 award to Josh, Louise and the team on Tuesday 30 June, adding another certificate to walls that are already well covered.

The Kelham Island area is now a beer tourist attraction in its own right, with good bus and tram links from the city centre. The Kelham Island Tavern is at 62 Russell Street, and news from the pub can be found on its website.