A MUCH-LOVED Salisbury pub has been crowned the best in the area for 2026 with judges praising its atmosphere, quality ales and strong community spirit.

The Duke of York, on York Road, has been named Pub of the Year by the Salisbury & South Wilts branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The popular pub, which boasts seven handpumps, impressed judges with both the range and quality of its real ales, as well as its welcoming environment and loyal customer base.

It first secured the title of City Pub of the Year after a vote by local CAMRA members, before going on to beat the Rural Pub of the Year winner to take the overall South Wiltshire title.

Manager Paul Postance and landlord Jonty Newbery were presented with the award by Pub of the Year co-ordinator Keith Foster at a gathering of regulars and CAMRA members.

“The Duke of York is a deserving winner of Salisbury and South Wilts CAMRA Pub of the Year,” said Keith after the presentation.

“A wide range of well-kept ales is always on offer, together with a warm and friendly welcome to both regulars and visitors. It is a true local asset.”

The final decision was made by an independent panel from a neighbouring CAMRA branch, led by John Buckley, who highlighted the pub’s traditional character.

He described it as “a traditional wet-led conversationalists pub where the beer and customer interaction are the prime characteristics. By the thinnest of margins on that immeasurable aspect of ‘character’ the extra shout goes to the Duke of York.”

Landlord Jonty kept his explanation simple when asked about the pub’s success: “It is a nice pub, full of nice people.”

The Duke of York dates to Edwardian times and was originally built for Salisbury brewery Folliott’s, later taken over by Ushers of Trowbridge in 1919 – a legacy still reflected in the pub’s signage today.