CAMRA Good Beer Guide: Swindon's top pubs revealed

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) has launched its 2025 Good Beer Guide, which lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK and is described as “the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints”.

62 Wiltshire pubs in total have been featured in the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide this year, including eight pubs in Swindon.

CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins used the launch as an opportunity to call on the government to protect pubs by introducing “tangible legislation”.

The full list of pubs included in the Good Beer Guide can only be read by purchasing the latest edition from the organisation’s website.

But CAMRA has allowed us to list eight of the best Swindon pubs found in the collection.

The eight best pubs serving up pints in Swindon

The Ashford

Matthew Deller, Jenny Brownley and Malcolm Brownley from the Ashford (Image: Paul New) The Ashford was fully refurbished during lockdown and has been described by CAMRA as "a contemporary club in the heart of Swindon Old Town".

The club was originally established in 1896 and offers music and entertainment, Sky Sports, dartboards, a pool table, a function room and two large projector screens.

The Ashford Road Club was also voted Club of the Year for 2023 and 2024.

The Beehive

The Beehive on Prospect Hill (Image: Dave Cox) The Beehive on Prospect Hill is a four-room pub built on the corner of the hill and dates back to 1871.

According to CAMRA, the pub retains its "quirky charm" and is a popular live music venue.

"The long-standing landlord is proud of its community role, traditional feel and extensive support of local charities," the guide states.

Drink Valley

Dhiraj Pujari at The Drink Valley in Swindon (Image: Newsquest) Drink Valley is Swindon's newest brewpub and has been described as having "a smart, modern appearance, with an airy, cafe-style layout".

The pub serves six of its own brewed beers, along with craft beers and ciders, and Indian street food on most days of the week.

The Glue Pot

Owner Mark Hepplewhite pouring a pint at The Glue Pot on Emlyn Square (Image: Newsquest) The Glue Pot on Emlyn Square is a charming old-fashioned pub that is part of the historic GWR Railway Village built in the 1840s.

It has been described by CAMRA as "a leading cider pub" but also serves a variety of real ales.

The pub was voted Local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year in 2024 and hosts events such as Book and Beer Club and regular quiz nights.

Tap & Brew

Tap & Brew on Devizes Road (Image: Dave Cox) Tap & Brew on Devizes Road first opened in 2019 and offers a range of Hop Kettle beers from six handpumps and 12 keg taps.

Customers can even pair it with street food provided by Scratch Kitchen and Hop Kettle merchandise and beers to take away.

The Savoy

The Savoy (Image: Google Maps) The Savoy is the only Wetherspoons branch in Swindon to be included in the 2025 guide, and it is also the oldest Wetherspoons in Swindon.

The former 1930s town centre cinema was converted into a ground floor pub and features a spacious interior with photos and information about its history all around the space.

"The long bar has a very large selection of well-kept beers," said CAMRA.

"The atmosphere is friendly and it is close to theatre, cinema, restaurants and shopping."

Hop Inn

The Hop Inn on Devizes Road (Image: Dave Cox) This Old Town pub serves seven constantly changing guest ales from across the south west so there's always something new to try.

Along with six box ciders and several other drinks, The Hop Inn also offers a great lively atmosphere with regular quizzes, comedy nights and live music.

Tables and chairs are made out of reclaimed wood and church pews, giving the pub a unique feel.

Little Hop

The Little Hop on Devizes Road (Image: Dave Cox) The Little Hop, which acts as The Hop Inn's younger sibling, is Swindon's first micropub and according to CAMRA, it is credited for beginning the real ale revival in Devizes Road.

The pub has been described as "small and quirky" and features an ever-changing range of beers as well as events such as discos, life classes and "quiet times".