The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has revealed the 16 regional and national winners in its Pub of the Year 2025 competition – with The Burnt Pig at Ilkeston being named the best pub across the East Midlands.
The Derbyshire Times were invited to visit the pub – and these photos offer a glimpse inside the award-winning venue.
5. Relaxing environment
Ben added: “You can just relax and enjoy a good beer in a comfortable setting. Once you walk through our front door, the outside world doesn’t exist.” Photo: Brian Eyre
6. “Broad spectrum” of drinks
Discussing the range of drinks on offer at the pub, Ben said: “We have six hand pumps that are permanently changing. We have four keg lines, they tend to rotate - sometimes we only have three on. We always try to make sure that there’s a gluten free option on there. We have some draft ciders and lagers, and all the real ciders and Lilley’s fruity ciders as well. We try to cover a broad spectrum of everything.” Photo: Brian Eyre
7. Upcoming events
Tap takeovers with local breweries have proven to be popular with customers at the pub. Ben said: “I’m hoping to do a tap takeover with Titanic and we’re doing a tap takeover with Urban Chicken in December. They’re a local brewery in Ilkeston, and it’s become a yearly event - it’s always very popular and well-attended.” Photo: Brian Eyre
8. Great breweries on our doorstep
Ben said: “We enjoy every day - we have great beers on all the time from local breweries and further afield as well. We’re lucky in the Midlands - we have such a diverse range of beers available from fantastic breweries.” Photo: Brian Eyre