The Cockpit in Chislehurst named Greater London's pub of the year

Chislehurst has something to raise a glass to. The Cockpit, a small independent micropub on Royal Parade, has been named Greater London Pub of the Year 2026 by the Campaign for Real Ale, better known as CAMRA.

The Cockpit opened in 2020 at the back of Roses Florist, and it still shares its space with the flower shop. It describes itself as an independent, community driven micropub, dedicated to gravity dispensed cask ale and fine cider, with a wine list selected by a sommelier.

The bar showcases cask ale from local and national breweries, alongside local, handcrafted gins from distillers Wessex. Food is traditional fare, including Neal's Yard cheeses and cured charcuterie from Crown and Queue. There are house rules too: a £1 fine for using a mobile phone or for foul language.

The pub is run by Adam Miller and Paul Steadman, and the pub's reaction to the news was characteristically playful. "Flabbersmacked we are. Absolutely gobberghasted," came the response, along with a note that the team was honoured to be recognised by CAMRA as "top of the pubs for Greater London this year".

Adam Miller also thanked everyone who has supported the pub since it opened, saying: "So many of you have invested a titanic amount of enthusiasm into what we love to do, it makes every day a joy."

The Cockpit was chosen from 12 regional winners across Greater London. CAMRA has run its Pub of the Year awards since 1988, and judges award marks for eight criteria, including the quality of the real ale, cider and perry, community focus, service and welcome, atmosphere and overall value. Last year's Greater London winner was The Hope in Carshalton.

The Chislehurst pub has since gone further. CAMRA has named it in the final four of the national Pub of the Year 2026 competition, alongside the Turks Head in St Helens, the Tamworth Tap in Tamworth and the Countryman's Inn in Hunton. The overall winner will be crowned in January.

Whatever the outcome, it is a fine moment for a little pub that has become a proper community hub. The Cockpit is at 4 Royal Parade, Chislehurst, BR7 6NR.