In March of each year, branches nominate a pub and a judge
- Pubs split into 2 “areas”.
- Judges assess pubs in their area, with the exception of their “home” entrant, using criteria based on those used in the Super-region round and beyond.
- Top 2 pubs from each area progress to the “Final 4” and are assessed by a panel of 4 judges using the same criteria as for the Area round.
- Result announced in October to coincide with the launch of the Good Beer Guide.
Procedures for selecting Club of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year are similar.