Overview
- Multiple Newsquest regional titles published their top‑10 Best Pub 2026 shortlists and began running daily profile pieces to introduce finalists.
- The move to a public vote was launched on Monday, July 20, with newspapers printing voting slips and coupons and some titles offering postal returns over set windows.
- Voting mechanics vary by paper: some accept only in‑paper coupon drops while others (for example York) will accept postal votes through early August, and deadlines differ by region.
- Coverage positions the contests as a way to support pubs facing rising bills and food costs by encouraging readers to back local venues and boost trade.
- Separately, The Telegraph has published a national list of top pubs tested by a six‑member panel that includes two York entries, but the regional competitions are decided solely by reader votes.