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Knaresborough pub crowned 'Best Beer Pub' at awards ceremony

Monday, 29 September 2025 08:50

Blind Jack's staff after their win.

Blind Jack's on the Knaresborough Market Place won Best Beer Pub at the 2025 Great British Pub Awards.

The ceremony was held on 24th September at Leeds First Direct Arena.

Hosted by celebrity English comedian, Seann Walsh, the night gave the chance to award 17 pubs on their great achievements.

Amongst the winner was Knaresborough's Blind Jack's, a small independent pub owned by Christian and Alice Ogley since 2017.

The couple shared their reaction to their win on Facebook:

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The traditional ale house, set in a Grade II listed building on Knaresborough’s Market Place, has long been a favourite for both locals and visitors.

With its wood-panelled rooms, roaring fireplaces, and walls steeped in history.

Named after the legendary local figure John “Blind Jack” Metcalf, an 18th-century road builder and adventurer who lost his sight to smallpox, the pub has always embraced its heritage.

Today, it’s equally celebrated for looking forward, championing independent breweries and a diverse range of cask and craft beers.

After their winner the couple said:

"This award means everything to us.

"It's the ultimate recognition of everything we have poured into every pint.

"This is just the beginning, it all starts here"

The Great British Pub Awards are held every year to celebrate pubs across the UK that excel in specific categories and an 'Overall Great British Pub' award is handed out.

This year, the overall winner was Crown Wharf in Staffordshire.

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has praised Blind Jack’s for decades, with the pub featuring in the Good Beer Guide for over 30 consecutive years.

To see more from Blind Jack's, click the link to their website here.

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