A historic Cumbrian inn is in the running for a major industry accolade after being named a county finalist in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026.

The Black Bull in Sedbergh was this week confirmed as one of 252 businesses shortlisted across the UK. The awards, now in their 10th year, celebrate excellence in the hospitality sector across 94 counties in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Assessed by industry experts and representatives from headline sponsor Tyrrells, nominees were judged on several criteria including service, design, digital presence, and investment.

The Black Bull’s selection highlights the strength of the hospitality industry in the North of England, particularly within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sedbergh, traditionally in the West Riding of Yorkshire but now part of Cumbria, serves as a significant gateway for international tourists visiting the Lake District.

Being shortlisted for the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 is a fantastic recognition for the whole team. We’re passionate about creating a warm, welcoming pub where guests can enjoy great food, well-kept beer and quality wines in a characterful setting. This nomination reflects the hard work and care our team puts in every day, and we’re incredibly proud to be representing Cumbria on a national stage. We’re looking forward to celebrating with fellow finalists in June.

The event culminates in a live final in London on Wednesday 10 June, where county and regional winners will be announced. The ceremony will also include the Industry’s Choice Award, determined by a panel of 400 judges, alongside consumer-voted awards for the best pub and bar groups.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, said: “Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we can’t wait to roll it out again this year. The fact that the celebrations last from the long Easter weekend, when we celebrate this year’s County Nominees, right up until the awards night at the beginning of summer, is no less than this wonderful industry deserves. We just want to do what we can to spread the word about these brilliant businesses.”

North of England County Nominees

Below are the 2026 finalists representing counties across the North:

The Black Bull, Sedbergh – Cumbria
The Brown Horse Inn, Winster – Cumbria
The King's Arms, Hawkshead – Cumbria

The Bellflower, Garstang – Lancashire
Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland – Lancashire
Farmers Arms, Great Eccleston – Lancashire

The Edinburgh Castle, Ancoats – Greater Manchester
The Horse & Jockey, Chorlton – Greater Manchester
Roxy Ball Room, Deansgate – Greater Manchester

The Pele Tower, Corbridge – Northumberland
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, Brampton – Northumberland

The Last Post Memorial Bar, Thornaby – County Durham
The Merlin, Billingham – County Durham
The Bay Horse, Hurworth – County Durham

Barking George (The Harrogate Inn), Harrogate – North Yorkshire
Beeswing, Northallerton – North Yorkshire

Whitelock's Ale House, Leeds – West Yorkshire
Myrtle Tavern, Meanwood – West Yorkshire

Blue Ball Inn, Worrall – South Yorkshire