Sir William Peel Sandy The Telegraph's annual Best Pubs Guide, expanded this year from just England to include the whole UK, includes nine Bedfordshire pubs among the 650 in the full guide. The nine include all eight listed in the England-only Best Pubs Guide 2025, plus the Sir William Peel in Sandy, CAMRA's Bedfordshire County Pub of the Year 2026. The Telegraph's chosen nine are, in location order:
Wellington Arms Bedford Ampthill - Albion
Bedford - Wellington Arms
Broom - Cock
Carlton - Fox
Clophill - Stone Jug
Henlow - Engineers Arms
Leighton Buzzard - Black Lion
Luton - Bricklayers Arms
Sandy - Sir William Peel

Hearty congratulations to the owners and licensees of all nine Bedfordshire pubs listed in the guide. However, we'll be cheeky and suggest the Telegraph considers making it 10 from Bedfordshire next year, adding the Hidden Barrel in Bedford town centre, CAMRA North Beds Pub of the Year 2026. CAMRA members are usually one step ahead!

You can find the new Guide at Telegraph Best Pubs 2026.