Nestled in the northern reaches of the Black Country, not far from each other, are two pubs recognised among the finest in Britain this year. Both establishments have been shortlisted in the 2026 Great British Pub Awards, highlighting the rich pub culture in this part of the West Midlands.
The Ashmore Inn, located in Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton, is in the running in the Best Admiral Taverns Pub category. Meanwhile, The Milestone, just over the border in New Invention, Walsall, has been nominated in the Best Community Pub category. The two pubs lie only about a mile apart, making it a rare and remarkable achievement for a community to have such highly regarded establishments so close together.
Residents of Ashmore Park and New Invention can easily enjoy either venue, with just a 20-minute walk separating the two. Both pubs pride themselves on strong community engagement, running food banks and hosting regular charity events.
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The Ashmore Inn’s landlady, Tina Wood, 48, who has managed the pub for five years, views this nomination as a proud acknowledgement of her dedication. Earlier this August, Tina received the Community Pub of the Year award at Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs Awards Gala. Notably, in 2024, the Ashmore Inn was named Charity Pub of the Year at the same event.
Over in New Invention, The Milestone has seen great progress under the stewardship of Ryan Perrins, 33, and his husband Dr Ben Colliver, 34, since they took over in 2022. This marks the pub’s first time featuring in the Great British Pub Awards.
As the awards ceremony approaches in September, the landlords and their loyal patrons from both pubs will be eagerly anticipating the results. Regardless of which venue ultimately wins, it is evident that this one-mile stretch boasts one of the most celebrated pub communities in the country.