Ilkeston’s very own Burnt Pig Ale ’Ouse has been crowned East Midlands Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) – putting the back-street micropub firmly among the top 16 pubs in the entire UK.
The prestigious award means the Burnt Pig now goes forward to compete for the ultimate National Pub of the Year crown. The final four will be revealed in October, with the overall winner announced in January 2026.
The annual competition is one of the toughest in the trade, with thousands of pubs whittled down to just 16 regional champions. Judges look for more than just good beer – atmosphere, décor, service, inclusivity and community spirit are all taken into account, alongside the quality of real ale, cider and perry.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet”
Owner Ben Rigby admitted the recognition had come as a huge surprise:
“It was a massive shock to hear that we won – it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. To be recognised beyond Erewash, and even Derbyshire, is a massive testament to the pub and to all those who come and visit us time after time.
“We’re just a small micropub in a back street in Ilkeston, a friendly, chatty place with a lot of regulars. We never have any trouble, and the community here is what makes it so special.”
That community feel is what truly sets the Burnt Pig apart. Alongside the carefully kept cask ales, regulars contribute to the pub in their own way – whether it’s allotment-grown vegetables, fresh eggs, cheese or pork pies. The pub has become a place where neighbours share produce as much as pints.
A decade of success
The Burnt Pig opened its doors in May 2015 and has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Inside, three snug rooms welcome drinkers, with the log-burner lounge proving a favourite in the colder months. Ben describes it as “a cosy living room” for the town.
Recognition from CAMRA
Announcing this year’s 16 winners, Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s Pub of the Year co-ordinator, said:
“It is a real pleasure to announce this year’s top 16 pubs, each of which has demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities. These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special – from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all.
“Achieving this in the face of rising costs and other pressures is no small feat, and we want to see these pubs, and thousands of others like them, continue to thrive. That’s why we’re calling on the Chancellor to give pubs a fair deal in the Autumn Budget, so they can keep serving their communities for many years to come.”
National recognition for Ilkeston
For Ilkeston, the Burnt Pig’s triumph is more than just a pub story – it’s a celebration of community spirit, resilience, and local pride. As the countdown to October’s shortlist begins, many in the town will be raising a glass and hoping this hidden gem goes all the way to take the UK Pub of the Year 2025 title.