Ripon's Portly Pig has been named Harrogate & Ripon CAMRA Pub of the Year 2026.
The Portly Pig, located on Kirkgate, received the accolade yesterday (Thursday), with owners Stuart and Katie Ross presented with a certificate by members of the local Campaign for Real Ale branch.
The award recognises venues for qualities including beer quality, service and community involvement.
The couple took over the business in November 2024 and were joined by CAMRA members and supporters to mark the occasion.
Katie told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon blog:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen for this award in a city that has so many fantastic and historic pubs serving some of the best real ales produced locally and across the region.”
Stuart added:
“We have been made so welcome here after taking over the Portly Pig in November 2024 from our friends Adam and Katrina Coulson, who gave the bar its memorable name.”
According to the citation issued by the Campaign for Real Ale, the Portly Pig was selected due to its high-quality beer offering, strong community focus and standard of customer service.
The award presentation also coincided with the launch of Ripon’s first Real Ale Guide, produced by CAMRA’s Harrogate and Ripon branch.
The guide highlights a range of venues across the city, including The Black Bull, Black Swan, King William IV, The Magdalens, One Eyed Rat, The Ripon Inn, The Royal Oak, The South Lodge, Storehouse Bar & Eatery, The Unicorn Hotel and The Water Rat.
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon BID, which funded the guide, attended the launch event and said:
“The Cathedral City of the Dales is home to some of the best pubs and bars in the north and between them they provide visitors and residents alike with a tremendous range of choice.”
She also highlighted the role played by the Portly Pig’s owners in the local community, adding:
“Katie and Stuart are BID members and they have made a big impact in the relatively short time since they took over the Portly Pig because of their community-minded approach.
“A key example of this was their launch earlier this year of the Pig Cup six-a-side tournament which will be held in July at Ripon City AFC’s ground to raise money for men’s mental health and wellbeing charities Andy’s Man Club and Ripon Men’s Shed.”
The tournament is expected to feature 16 teams from businesses and organisations across Ripon and the surrounding area, with support from English Football League regional safeguarding manager Helen Cotterill-Smith.
Find out more here.
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