Once again, the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs of 2024 has been unveiled. Over 100 industry professionals have the (incredible) job of visiting the country’s finest gastropubs, judging the experience, and ranking them, looking out for charming décor, welcoming atmospheres, stunning views, great drinks lists and of course, mouth-watering dishes.
After much deliberation, they’ve narrowed it down to 50, and these 10 represent gastropub bliss. You can find the full list at the bottom of this page to see your nearest pub, but for now let’s dive into the Top 10 (starting at 10 of course because we have a penchant for suspense).
10. The Hand & Flowers, Buckinghamshire
Retaining its top ten spot, Tom Kerridge’s The Hand & Flowers is the only pub in the UK to achieve something totally unique- two Michelin stars. This rustic, whitewashed pub hosts traditional French cuisine (haute) such as duck liver parfait with orange chutney and their chocolate and ale cake which has become a spectacle in its own right. Luxurious cottages also owned by the pub are available, including a renowned breakfast.
Phone number: 01628 482277
Address: 126 West St, Marlow SL7 2BP
Book here
9. Freemasons at Wiswell
Nestled into the picturesque Ribble Valley of Lancashire is Freemasons, a quaint and refined slice of country dining. Seasonal, local produce intertwines with world flavours creatively, like the roast loin and kofta of Nidderdale lamb with barbeque lettuce, mint yoghurt, and miso aubergine. Flavours can be experimental, with wild, sharp freshness, but their relentless Top 10 placing shows that with chef Steven Smith it’s in good hands. Summer BBQ, chippy teas and tasting evenings have cemented this pub as part of Wiswell.
Phone number: 01254 822218
Address: 9df, 8 Vicarage Fold, Wiswell, Clitheroe BB7 9DF
Book here
8. The Star Inn, York
By chance, another Stephen Smith heads up The Star Inn in York, and he’s also the 2023 Food & Drink Awards Chef of the Year. Close your eyes, imagine a country gastropub, and this is probably not far off what you’re seeing. Cosy, quaint and adorned with a Michelin star, a fire meant The Star was out of last year’s list, but its position on every list before is a testament to its quality. Their foie gras with black pudding and sticky scrumpy reduction is the flagship dish for their ‘rich man, poor man’ style.
Phone number: 01904 619208
Address: Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR
Book here
7. Parkers Arms, Clitheroe
Last year’s winner (and 2nd the year before that), Parkers Arms, situated in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, is no stranger to awards. Looking out over rolling hills, it’s isolated for sure, but why would you want to be anywhere else? Chef-patron Stosie Madi has created a true gastropub, starring locally foraged and sourced produce with two intentions – incredible flavours, and plates that fill you up. Dog-friendly, expansive drinks selections, this is a proper gastropub.
Phone number: 01200 446236
Address: Hall Gate Hill, Newton-In-Bowland, Nr Clitheroe BB7 3DY
Book here
6. The Red Lion and Sun, Highgate, London
Up from 10th place, this is a truly historic site, with a pub here in charming Highgate Village since the 1500s – though you can bet that the food wasn’t this good then. Whether in the sun-kissed garden, or by the cosy log burner, this gastropub delivers a rustic yet modern experience. Freshness is the order of the day, with new menus (sometimes every day), and the extensive wine list is exceptional.
Phone number: 020 8340 1780
Address: 25 North Rd, London N6 4BE
Book here
5. The Sportsman, Kent
A coastal dream, The Sportsman watches over the Kent coast, and has, for decades now, been one of the absolute top maritime pilgrimages for foodies. With such vivid surroundings, chef-patron Stephen Harris wears his inspirations on his chef whites, with homemade sea salt, Seasalter meat farms and local foraging. Take the slip sole grilled in seaweed butter for example, which uses seaweed from the beach that you can see from the restaurant.
Phone number: 01227 273370
Address: 1 Faversham Rd, Seasalter, Whitstable CT5 4BP
Book here
4. The Fordwich Arms
Fordwich in leafy Kent is England’s smallest town, but the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms is proof that the best things arrive in small packages. On the banks of the River Stour, this stunning red brick building dressed in green ivy makes the most of local ingredients. This gastropub has been continuously rising through the ranks, praised for its relaxed style, tasteful décor and exceptional menus – the à la carte menu for example includes rock oysters, Orkney scallop with apple, kohlrabi and vadouvan spices and roast saddle of Chart Farm Sika venison with chestnut, celeriac and spiced fig. Yum.
Phone number: 01227 286690
Address: King St, Fordwich, Canterbury CT2 0DB
Book here
3. The Mariners, Cornwall
Onto the podium places now with the yellow paint of The Mariners. Headed up by Paul Ainsworth, it came 11th last year and has now shot up with six exceptional menus inclusive to vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free and children. Seaside specials like crisp pollock hot dogs are available of course, but the grill has quite the reputation too with 40-day 800g beef ribs blowing diners away.
Phone number: 01841 532093
Address: The Slipway, Rock, Wadebridge PL27 6LD
Book here
2. The Cornish Arms, Devon
What a rise! From 12th to 2nd, The Cornish Arms is the love child of husband-and-wife duo John and Emma Hooker, delivering unpretentious dishes brimming with simple, mouth-watering flavours. Their commitment to local, fresh produce is exceptional but they’ve also been praised for the affordable pricing of such quality dishes. For starter? Pheasant Scotch egg, blue cheese and beer pickled onions? For main? Poached and roasted lamb belly in lamb gravy? For dessert? Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce? There are plenty of options for every dish, but you’re guaranteed to get a proper gastropub experience whatever you pick.
Phone number: 01822 612145
Address: 15 West St, Tavistock PL19 8AN
Book here
1. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Runner up last year, this year’s winner is The Unruly Pig, reclaiming its 2022 title. Inside this crooked 16th century inn you’ll find gastronomic magic, but always retaining that cosy pub feel with beams and burners for days. 60 wines and incredible craft beers join home-made cordials and local fruit juices on the drink’s menu. For food, the focus remains on ‘Britalian’ creativity. Think celeriac and mushroom lasagna. Halibut and avruga caviar sauce with seaweed potatoes. Perhaps the most famous dish is the unruly Tiramisu which sounds divine. Free-from menus are also thoughtful. It’s everything you want from a gastropub, and the numerous awards (not just this one) speak volumes.
Phone number: 01394 460310
Address: Orford Rd, Bromeswell, Woodbridge IP12 2PU
Book here
The Estrella Damm’s Top 50 Gastropubs 2024:
The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock
The Mariners, Rock
The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury
The Sportsman, Seasalter
The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, London
Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland
The Star Inn, Harome
Freemasons at Wiswell, Wiswell
The Hand & Flowers, Marlow
Heft, High Newton
The Harwood Arms, Fulham, London
The Angel at Hetton, Hetton
The Rat Inn, Hexham
The Bridge Arms, Canterbury
The Dog at Wingham, Wingham
The Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax
The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market
The Pack Horse, Hayfield
Pyne Arms, Barnstaple
The Coach, Marlow
The Beehive, White Waltham
The Broad Chare, Newcastle
The Edinburgh Castle, Manchester
The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe
The Baring, Islington, London
The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells
The Pipe & Glass Inn, Beverley
The White Swan at Fence, Fence
The Longs Arms, Bath
The Bull & Last, Islington, London
The Black Bear, Usk
The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton
The Woolpack, Stroud
The Barrington Boar, Barrington
The Parakeet, Kentish Town, London
The Masons Arms, Knowstone
The Abbey Inn, Byland
The Black Bull, Sedbergh
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea, London
The Bulls Head, Craswell
The Loch and The Tyne, Windsor
The Guinea Grill, Mayfair, London
The Dew Drop Inn, Hurley
The Killingworth Castle, Wootton
The Canton Arms, Stockwell, London
The Double Red Duke, Clanfield
The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne
The Scran & Scallie, Edinburgh
The Bull, Charlbury