8 Gins to Watch Out for in 2024

Alongside Dry January, there was also Ginuary for those of us still heartily sipping away. Gin has been massively popular for years now, with a steady stream of botanical beauties focusing on sustainability, local ingredients, unique terroir, and innovative, fresh flavours. It helps that the bottles tend to be easy on the eye too.

But, as with any drinks trend, there are some not so impressive bottles sneaking in. With another gincredible year ahead of us, these are some of the bottles we really enjoyed this Ginuary to look out for in 2024.

Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin

We’ve featured some of the Sassenach portfolio a few times because it really is one of the finest ‘celebrity drinks’ going. If you don’t know, it’s the passion project of Outlander star Sam Heughan (aka Jamie Fraser). It’s a London Dry style that brings together 8 Dumfries and Galloway botanicals for remarkable freshness with rhubarb, bramble leaf, crabapple, toasted oats, and heather to name a few. The juniper heart is stunning. From the bottle to the last sip, everything about this gin is stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £44.90

Greater Than Broken Bat Gin

The winner of the Gin Guide Awards for India last year, this is a really interesting London dry style gin because it’s infused with toasted Kashmir willow... sourced from broken cricket bats. The resulting notes of mellow, woody vanilla intertwine with a little sweet spice for a distinct sipper that, at 47%, won’t go unnoticed. More Asian botanical based gins are expected in 2024, and this could be one of the most popular.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £36.95

Sir Edmond Gin

This is an incredible smooth Dutch gin with that has picked up some of the most prestigious awards going. If you like vanilla, then you will love this because Réunion Island vanilla takes centre stage alongside prominent juniper. The fundamental botanical backdrop (angelica and cardamom) lay in the wings alongside the warmth of ginger and cinnamon for sweet and earthy gem.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38.82

Henstone Rosè Gin

There is so much going on with this gin, which goes some way to explaining its emphatic victory in the highly competitive British category at Gin Guide Awards last year. First off, and what hits you on the nose, the oak. It’s aged in American oak giving a richness normally associated with whisky. These earthy woody notes carry a little spice with coriander and cardamom, and in terms of Rosé, expect less berries and more vanilla florality.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44.9%
Find here: £38.50

Blackeye Gin

Behind this gin are rugby legends Alex Payne, James Haskell, and Mike Tindall, and £1.50 from each sale goes to the Blackeye Rugby Fund to aid research and recovery. It’s citrus forward this one, with a scrum of botanicals from some of the world’s biggest rugby playing nations. It’s even got a secret ingredient don’t you know! For a citrussy G&T, there’s not much better.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.95

Sky Wave Signature London Dry Gin

If you’re into gin, then there’s a good chance you’re on board with Sky Wave already, but if not then 2024 is the year for it. A craft distillery from two adventures in Oxfordshire, they celebrate the places they’ve been as well as their home country. They’ve just had a premium rebrand that looks stunning, but more importantly the liquid inside is amazing. Winning gong after gong, their signature London Dry is zinging with crisp and tangy notes and balanced sweetness with locally foraged blackberries and raspberries. It used to be 500ml, but now it’s 700ml, which you will be very grateful for after that first sip.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £41.84 (usually more!)

Ukiyo Yuzu Gin

Yuzu has been one of the botanicals blazing a trail for Asian gins, and we expect that to continue because it is delicious. This Japanese gin makes the most of it, delivering a citrus explosion (similar to grapefruit and mandarin). The base spirit uses distilled shochu, which is redistilled with juniper, mandarin and of course, yuzu. Expect aromatic zest and elegant tang. One for summer.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.90

Broken Bones Old Tom Gin

This is one of the best Old Toms we’ve tried. Distilled in Ljublijana, Slovenia, it focuses on local juniper and a big hit of floral botanicals with rosehips and linden flowers. Slovenian honey is added for signature Old Tom sweetness, and it is just so difficult not to love the final expression. Serial award winner, bright with florality and citrus, a little juniper spice – nom. It costs a bit more than most at 500ml, but it is so worth it, honestly.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £44.49

These are the gins we think have a big year ahead of them, but of course there are many more that we loved last year. If a classic G&T is your go to, then what about these beauties?

The Best Wine to Pair with Crisps

A packet of crisps and a glass of wine – these are two of the tastiest things we consume, but except the occasional overlap at a party, we don’t really think of them as a duo. But why not?

Well, wine is usually more associated with fine dining, but good flavour combos are good flavour combos, so there’s nothing to be snobby about with this dreamy pairing. We think of it as a more accessible and versatile alternative to cheese and wine pairings.

On the flipside, if you’re thinking that crisps and wine has the potential to go wrong, then yep, it does. There are some strong flavours and textures involved, but luxury hamper producers Baxters of Scotland and artisan sommelier Rory Anderson have been exploring the very best options.

White Wine

Riesling + Salt & Vinegar Crisps

The ever reliable and food-friendly Riesling is chosen to stand up to the pungent vinegar flavour here, with the razor acidity and fresh citrus softening it. The salty flavours help to emphasise the fruits in the wine, and the fat softens the acidity slightly, resulting in a well-balanced flavour experience.

Chardonnay + Sour Cream & Onion Crisps

Sour Cream & Onion are salty (like any crisp let’s be honest), so the sharp acidity of Chardonnay works nicely as a contrast, as do any tropical notes. The Sour Cream also helps to really emphasise the creamy, buttery notes you find in this style of wine, and the zing brought from both side works wonders.

Red Wine

Malbec + Smoky BBQ Crisps

For Smoky BBQ, you need something to handle the umami saltiness, and Malbec with its plentiful darker fruits, chocolatey spice and even, if you can find one, smoky notes, brings out the spice in the crisp seasoning and complements it greatly. As long as high tannins are avoided (salt amplifies tannins) and there’s decent acidity, this is a wonderfully indulgent combo.

Pinot Noir + Sweet Potato Crisps

A light and fruity Pinot with bright fruits stands up nicely to these moreish crisps. It appeases the sweetness of the potato but not enough to overpower them, and brings enough diverse earthy, fruity notes to add depth to the sweetness. Also, it’s usually lower tannins than most reds so you won’t run the risk of bitter tastes coming through.

Rosé

Provence Rosé + Prawn Cocktail Crisps

Prawn Cocktails’ notorious pong is love or hate for many, and there’s a lot going on to match up with. A light, dry and crisp Provence Rosé will work with the diverse sweetness, tang, and creamy flavours of the crisps. The understated sweetness will really come through with those berries and that florality.

Grenache Rosé + Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations Crisps

A more fruit-forward Grenache Rosé can contrast pleasantly with the warm spice of Thai Sweet Chilli. The extra sweetness of this style of Rosé also helps to balance the heat and should even out harmoniously. Ideally, a good acidic kick to bring some refreshment will cleanse the palate between crunches too.

Sparkling Wine

Champagne + Ready-Salted Crisps

A plain, super salty original crisp is pure carbs, fat and surprise surprise, salt. It’s a hell of a job to carve through all of that, so high acidity is required, and also something lovely and refreshing. There’s a simplicity to this combination that is so moreish, as the bubbles and elegance reset the palate before another crunch of crisp.

Wine is obviously incredible on its own, but if you’re yet to truly experience it alongside the right food companion, then you’re missing out big time. We’ve got loads of guides up now, like our Classic Cheese and Wine Matches for example!

What Should I Drink With Chinese Food?

It’s difficult to generalise when it comes to pairing drinks with Chinese food. There are ‘eight great’ culinary traditions across the country, and on top of that some like Cantonese have been heavily anglicised for British tastes.

Having said that, the same pairing rules apply, which is lighter liquids for lighter dishes, bigger and more robust drinks for equivalent dishes. There is plenty of sweetness, sourness, and spice at play so pairing drinks with Chinese food does have the potential to go badly wrong. However, we’re here to help! Chinese New Year is February 10th, so if you’re celebrating or just fancy a Chinese feast, then we’ve got some recommendations below.

White Wine

Riesling

There’s a reason Riesling is a stalwart of these guides. If we’re have to pick one drink to pair with Chinese food, then it’s Riesling. More specifically, Spätlese Riesling, which just means late harvest grapes, so you get extra sweetness driving through, as well as that hefty kick of acidity. There’s a richness there usually, but the sweetness isn’t cloying at all – think more fruity, less cloying. That fruity sweetness makes is one of the few white wines that works well with Peking duck, slicing through the fatty meat but complimenting plum sauce. Any sweet and sour dishes and noodle-based dishes with a little grease – Riesling work great. Sesame chicken too. And seafood. Riesling is just so adaptable.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9%
Find here: £5.75 (usually more!)

Red Wine

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah or Shiraz (they’re the same grape remember) can be great with some Chinese dishes. Find an Australian Shiraz (Clare Valley for example) with fine tannins, sweetness, and peppery, smoky, richness and you’re onto a winner. Jammy, red fruits alongside the above traits will work so well with Peking duck and spicier dishes like beef in black bean sauce. It might be wise to avoid very light dumplings and other starters with Shiraz though, because it may overpower.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.99

Grenache

Big, super fruity reds like Mourvèdre or Grenache come into play for hotter dishes, without the tannins to overdo the spice. Glazed ribs, black bean sauces, Szechuan beef – ripe reds can deal with it. Like the Shiraz, we would avoid these with lighter starters though. You could go down the Grenache Rosé route too for a well-rounded option – with a little acidity and fruity sweetness to play with.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.49

Sparkling Wine

Champagne

A crisp sparkler is always going to an option because of their world-beating palate-cleansing nature. Of course, Champagne is on the premium end of things, and Cava/Crémant, English Fizz and even Prosecco would work too, but as an all-rounder, this is a dreamy combo. A chilled glass eases the burn of spicier dishes and the fizz cleanses the grease. We want a Brut Champagne with some richness to cope with sweet and sour flavours too, and something like this can be the companion for spring rolls, dumplings, dim sum, shellfish, and spicier dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £47.50

BEER

Wheat and White Beer

Light witbiers (wheat) and Bavarian weissbiers (white) work nicely with Chinese food, so long as it isn’t super intense. Lighter prawn starters, dumplings, spring rolls and some sweet and sour flavours – then beer is great. Witbier is typically filtered less and delivers a counterbalancing citrus with refreshing softness.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 4.9%
Find here: £6 (4 x 300ml)

We’ve got a number of food and drinks pairing guides up now, so search for what you need, and chances are we have it! How about Sushi? Or Thai?

10 Craft Beers to Try from Across the UK

We’ve all heard of craft beers, but where to actually start? With such a flourishing scene for over a decade now, it can be intimidating to get involved, but you’re missing out if not. We’ve gathered a diverse range of excellent craft beers from across the UK, from citric refreshers to chocolatey stouts.

Trust us, beer has come a long way from medieval ‘liquid bread’, and there’s so much more to it than pub lager. Have a scroll and see which of these takes your fancy and begin your craft beer journey today.

Fyne Ales Jarl

The current CAMRA Champion Beer of Scotland, Jarl is seriously well put together, easy-drinking golden ale. It’s light, full of grapefruit and lemon, with a clean, crisp feel and a little biscuity malt and subtle grassiness to round it off. This farm brewery was one of the first in the UK to use citra hops, and Jarl was their flagship trailblazer for the successful outcome of those experiments.  

Size: 500ml
ABV: 3.8%
Price: £31.20 12 x 500ml

Lost and Grounded Keller Pils

An ever-popular beer in Bristol, this is a class above your run of the mill lager. Taking inspiration from German brewing, it’s Lost and Grounded’’s top seller, with drinkers returning to its precision balance. It’s dry, crisp, clean, and fresh with hoppy depths for refreshing bitterness.

Size: 440ml
ABV: 4.8%
Price: £2.80 1 x 440ml

Beavertown Neck Oil London

One of the better-known craft beers, this is a lovely hoppy one that you’ll be able to pick up in many supermarkets and probably hear being praised a lot. It has picked up some prestigious gongs in its time, with its light, zingy brightness, and is a fantastic first stop on your craft beer journey. Think tropical fruits like passionfruit and grapefruit before an utterly refreshing finale.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 4.3%
Price: £2.50 1 x 330ml

Samuel Smith Organic Chocolate Stout

Drinkers rave about this English Stout and we can see why. Organic chocolate malt is gently roasted, joining organic cocoa for a full, luscious, creamy feel. The flavours are so satisfying and luxurious, with soft caramel, lingering malt, and incredible chocolate. It’s not as heavy as you might expect either, with a little carbonation for edge.

Size: 550ml
ABV: 5%
Price: £3.70 for 1

Traquair House Brewery Jacobite

This Scotch ale uses an ingredient always, until modern times, used in beer making and that’s coriander. The brewery itself is in Scotland’s oldest inhabited house and uses a 1738 copper kettle and oak fermenters for this fine ale. The colour is similar to cola, and the first whiff brings gentle spice and molasses. After the first sip, the sweet malts and dried fruits come through with complexity, before a malty wash finish.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 8%
Price: £3.75 for 1

Old Engine Oil Craft Stout - Harviestoun

Staying in Scotland, this old favourite has been around for years, providing an exceptionally engineered, velvety, dark, and rich stout. Premium roasted malt coats the mouth so smoothly as the mocha aroma continues into the palate, joined by cream and vanilla. It’s bulky and bold, and oh so satisfying.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 6%
Price: £44.24 24 x 330ml

Full Circle Brew Co. Looper IPA

Up in Newcastle, this is Full Circle’s flagship IPA and it’s building quite the reputation. It’s all about citrus refreshment, with juicy, zesty grapefruit and a surprising sweetness to the lemon. The pillowy feel is dreamy too, carrying the classic IPA bitterness with a trio of citra, mosaic and cashmere hops.

Size: 440ml
ABV: 6.4%
Price: £3.77 for 1

Cloudwater Fuzzy Hazy Pale

With a cult following in Manchester, Cloudwater are one craft brewery well worth keeping an eye on. They’ve only been around for about a decade but have already developed a rock solid portfolio of industry acclaimed, super popular top-quality beers. Fuzzy is part of their core range, bringing loveable brightness and stone fruits. Peach and apricot intertwine with vibrant citrus, grassy notes and well carbonated softness. Clean refreshment.

Size: 440ml
ABV: 4.2%
Price: £12 x 440ml

JW Lees Harvest Ale

This is a very prestigious ale that uses only the finest malts and earliest hops of the year. This particular ale has gained a cult following amongst enthusiasts, with robust and characterful vintages with each release. In the barleywine style (complexity and higher ABV%), it ages well and delivers a caramel nose, with rich and full figs, dried fruits, oak, and leather. It’s heavy but smooth, with zero cloying whatsoever. Legendary.

Size: 275mll
ABV: 11.5%
Price: £14.85 3 x 275ml

Buxton Brewery Yellow Belly

We’ve included this as an example of premium beer, more precisely American Imperial Stout. The whole concept of this beer is to ridicule the cowardly nature of racist groups, particularly anonymous ones, which explains the paper packaging (reminiscent of the KKK) and its controversy in America. The beer inside celebrates open mindedness and difference with interesting flavours. It’s a peanut butter biscuit stout, but with no biscuits, butter, or nuts! It’s velvety and chocolatey with roasted malt and restrained sweetness, perfectly executed for bold and big flavours. One of the most celebrated stouts on the planet.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 11%
Price: £9 1 x 330ml

If you’re looking into craft beer as part of a wider drink’s exploration, then how about discovering mead? You might surprise yourself! Take a look here.

8 Unusual Alcoholic Drinks That Actually Taste Good

These drinks may have eyebrow raising ingredients or concoctions, but when you take that first sip, you can expect enough eyebrow raise because they are delicious. Great drinks aren’t afraid to experiment and innovate, and these do just that. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but here it most definitely does. So, if you’re after a curious bottle to gift for someone’s birthday, or perhaps a Valentine’s Present, then explore these tasty creations below.

Ukiyo Blossom Gin

Produced in the shadow of the Sakurajima volcano, the outcome is a delicate, fantastically floral gin. Shōchū spirit is distilled again with juniper, local mandarin orange, and a host of Japanese botanicals, the most stand out of which is aromatic cherry blossom. It’s light and bright but has earth juniper and angelica root too. The Sakura flower inclusion is strong no doubt, and won’t please everyone, but if you love it, you’ll really love it. We can’t not mention this bottle too, which is absolutely stunning and 100% a must keep once you’ve drained it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Price: £36.99 (usually more!)

Jaffa Cake Gin

This is one of those gins that will pique your curiosity, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be desperate to try. This timeless treat has been repurposed to flavour gin, but don’t go thinking it’s overly sweet and unnatural. Fresh orange peel is used, cocoa powder and get this, actual Jaffa cakes for that authentic, unmistakable taste. Far from being just a gimmick, this won the most prestigious award for flavoured gin in 2021, as well as other top awards, praised for its delicacy, balance and crowd-pleasing flavour. It’s become iconic for a Negroni so give it a go!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Price: £29.95

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum - Roast Coffee

This is a really interesting sipper. It brings the sweetness of a cold brew Arabica coffee and therefore more of a liqueur vibe than a rum (though at 40%, be careful). If you’re into pure rums then this probably isn’t for you, but if you love coffee and sweeter rums, you have to try this. It’s unique in this space, with a dessert style to it. It’s smooth, the spice holds strong, particularly on the finish. The Kraken awakes!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Price: £26.90

Captain Morgan Tiki Mango & Pineapple Spirit

This is a full, unashamed celebration of tropical rum. Inside the devilish tiki bottle is a much lighter but still punchy rum spirit compared with the original, but don’t be expecting a dark rum like that. The pineapple and mango are sweet and vibrant, but there’s enough bitterness for balance too with a little pepper for warmth. If someone is into cocktails, then this would be a great addition for a splash of sunshine.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Price: £19.95

Tequila Rose Strawberry Liqueur

Tequila Rose has icon status by now, providing many a tequila shot alternative that actually tastes nice. Tequila spirit is joined by strawberry cream liqueur, a mix that won’t please too many agave purists, but the results are splendid. It’s deliciously sweet and creamy like a grown-up strawberry milkshake. Yes it’s not the most complex and challenging drink in the world, far from it, but if you want a tasty boozy treat that is guaranteed to hit the spot, tequila rose is tailor made for it

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Price: £13.75

1800 Coconut Spirit

This is lighter, coconut spin on a silver Blanco Tequila, a flavour that you don’t usually associate with the Mexican spirit. Nonetheless, it works. The grassy agave still comes through, matching up with the natural coconut flavouring nicely. The smoothness is incredible, and there are all kinds of cocktails it would elevate. Imagine a less creamy Piña Colada and you’re getting there – curious and divine.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Price: £39.49

Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Liqueur

How about this for an American delight? Whiskey with peanut butter. It’s nutty paradise and would be so good in cocktails. Imagine a peanut butter Old Fashioned? Creamy oak and vanilla come through as the nuttiness fades away on the finish, and it’s just so easy drinking. Don’t think of it as a flavoured whiskey, it’s very much its own thing, and if you like peanut butter and whiskey, it would be so difficult not to love this.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Price: £21.95 (usually more!)

Puschkin Nuts & Nougat Liqueur

Forget chocolate bars, we’re talking about nuts and nougat in booze. More specifically, vodka. Puschkin make award-winning vodka, so the base spirit here is fantastically smooth, and now it’s got this ‘Kinder Bueno’ esque twist, it is to die for. The balance is spot on with this one, and it really is dangerously easy to drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17.5%
Price: £12.94 (usually more!)

If you want to take a look as some weird but wonderful bottles, have a gander at these.

The Best from Down Under: 8 Australian Wines and Spirits You Have to Try

We’ve turned Down under upside down to find their greatest wines and spirits, perfect for Australia Day but also any other day, let’s be honest!

Aussie grape vines are some of the oldest in the world, and with such diverse terroir, it’s no wonder that Aussies only import 20% of their wine – they know they’ve got some of the best already on their doorstep.

Whilst wines might be their best-known output, they’re also flourishing with spirits, producing some delicious, distinct, and characterful bottles that we love. These are 8 you have to try.

Spirits

Brookie's Byron Dry Gin

The work of the Brook Family at their Cape Byron Distillery, this gin is a celebration of the unique terroir of the Northern Rivers. 17 of the 25 botanicals are native to this area around Byron Bay, including raspberries, cinnamon, aniseed, finger limes, river mint and macademia. Juniper ultimately leads the way, but backed up by raspberry, liquorice, macademia, zesty citrus and lively cinnamon… there is so much to love. It makes incredible Gin Martinis.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £38.74

Starward Fortis Whisky

Big but elegant, this bold single malt shows what Australia whisky can do. It’s matured completely in American oak that previously held red wine, so you get plenty of jammy berries, dried fruits and oaky vanilla. The sips are super smooth too, coating the mouth with warming cinnamon and clove spice. With richness and depth of flavour, this is incredibly well rounded and well worth picking up.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £58.95 (usually more!)

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

We love Regal Rogue because they really go for it with the wines in their Vermouth selection. With Wild Rosé, they deliver a big and bright fruit-forward expression making the most of native Illawara plums, rosella, and strawberries with Barossa Cabernet Rosé for a stunning red fruit symphony. Refreshing, complex, subtle and satisfying.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £18.30

Bundaberg Rum

Some people refuse to accept this Queensland gem is a rum because it doesn’t quite reach the 37.5% minimum ABV, but when you taste it you won’t care one bit. The slightly lower percentage gives way to demerara sweetness with heaps of spicy molasses. Bundaberg is known for its distinctive character, carrying heaps of sugary spice right through to the mellow finish. It's smooth and soft but we’d recommend it with a mixer like ginger beer to get the most out of it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37%
Find here: £32.04 (usually more!)

Manly Spirits Co. Marine Botanical Vodka

This Sydney distillery focuses on maximum flavour extraction using Australian wheat. In fact, the process is just like a gin but without the juniper. Sustainable native marine botanicals like sea parsley and kelp produce a maritime, savoury profile with the perfect touch of salt. If you’re into Dirty Martinis, then an umami gem like this is a must try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.6%
Find here: £34.79

Wine

Greasy Fingers Chardonnay

Quite a newcomer from Pernod Ricard, this decadent drop fulfils its label promise of ‘big and buttery’. Oaky vanilla hits from the first sip, and the palate fills out with orchard fruits, but it’s the buttery, creamy deliciousness that steals the show, and makes this a tremendous companion for, as they say, greasy foods.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10

Mino & Co A Growers Touch Durif 2022

There’s such a beautiful colour to this Aussie red – an inviting crimson red. Mulberry and blueberry dominate a seductive nose, followed by signature Durif palate flavours of dark fruits, hints of vanilla and coconut, and powerful mulberry again. A little oaky spice on the finish too. This is a wine that booms.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10.98

Bird in Hand Sparkling

Sarah Burvill, one of the world’s leading winemakers, is at the helm of Bird in Hand in the Adelaide Hills, and her fizz is top notch. It’s her flagship style, all starting from some of the world’s oldest, richest soils. Behind that beautiful blush is a tantalising and elegant warm climate dryness, with strawberries from the Pinot Noir and pretty, fruity depths.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £15.99

Of course, this is just a drop in the ocean (albeit a delicious drop) when it comes to Australian wine. Check out more of the best Down Under wines here!

The Top 10 UK Gastropubs of 2024

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:

1. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge

2. The Cornish Arms, Tavistock

3. The Mariners, Rock

4. The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury

5. The Sportsman, Seasalter

6. The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, London

7. Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland

8. The Star Inn, Harome

9. Freemasons at Wiswell, Wiswell

10. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow

11. Heft, High Newton

12. The Harwood Arms, Fulham, London

13. The Angel at Hetton, Hetton

14. The Rat Inn, Hexham

15. The Bridge Arms, Canterbury

16. The Dog at Wingham, Wingham

17. The Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax

18. The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market

19. The Pack Horse, Hayfield

20. Pyne Arms, Barnstaple

21. The Coach, Marlow

22. The Beehive, White Waltham

23. The Broad Chare, Newcastle

24. The Edinburgh Castle, Manchester

25. The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe

26. The Baring, Islington, London

27. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells

28. The Pipe & Glass Inn, Beverley

29. The White Swan at Fence, Fence

30. The Longs Arms, Bath

31. The Bull & Last, Islington, London

32. The Black Bear, Usk

33. The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton

34. The Woolpack, Stroud

35. The Barrington Boar, Barrington

36. The Parakeet, Kentish Town, London

37. The Masons Arms, Knowstone

38. The Abbey Inn, Byland

39. The Black Bull, Sedbergh

40. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea, London

41. The Bulls Head, Craswell

42. The Loch and The Tyne, Windsor

43. The Guinea Grill, Mayfair, London

44. The Dew Drop Inn, Hurley

45. The Killingworth Castle, Wootton

46. The Canton Arms, Stockwell, London

47. The Double Red Duke, Clanfield

48. The Duncombe Arms, Ashbourne

49. The Scran & Scallie, Edinburgh

50. The Bull, Charlbury

The Grapefruit and Ginger Fizz Mocktail

This refreshing beauty embraces the winter warmth of cinnamon and ginger, whilst looking forward to the sunnier times ahead with bright grapefruit and lime. The key here is the balance between sweet syrup, cosy spice, and citric tang. The grapefruit juice you use is up to you of course (pink/red juices are dryer and sweeter, whereas white is more bitter and acidic), but we would encourage freshly squeezed for a vibrant feel. Cinnamons syrup is one of our favourites, and don’t be put off thinking you need to go out and buy it – it’s so easy to make, as you can see in our Simple Homemade Cocktail Syrup Guide here. You could also experiment with a No-Lo dark or spiced rum alternative in this too - now that would be interesting. You can find a link to our best alternatives under this recipe!

Ingredients (for 1)
90ml grapefruit juice (ideally fresh)
25ml cinnamon syrup
15ml lime juice
Ginger beer to top up
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
1.      Shake grapefruit juice, cinnamons syrup and lime juice with ice until it feels cold to the touch.
2.      Strain into a glass over ice (Highball is perfect). Consider double straining if you squeezed your own grapefruit and lime juice.
3.      Top up the glass with ginger beer (it should be the same amount or more than the grapefruit juice).
4.      Garnish to make it look pretty – cinnamon works, or a grapefruit wedge if you have any left.
5.      Enjoy!

We’ve got more recipes with our Delicious Winter Mocktails, or if you want to explore the blossoming world of No-Lo alternatives, check out these!