1. The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent

Stephen Harris’ Michelin-starred pub by the sea, the Sportsman, may resemble a “grotty boozer” to the naked eye, but it’s one of the most outstanding eateries in the UK.

The Sportsman climbed steadily up the Top 50 Gastropubs list since entering in twelfth place in 2010.  After coming second twice in a row in 2013 and 2014 behind Tom Kerridge’s Marlow pub the Hand & Flowers, Harris confidently stole the top spot for the first time in last year’s awards – cementing the Sportsman’s place as the top gastropub in the country.

Harris’ simple but elegant dishes have won him constant acclaim, with dishes such as his signature slip sole in seaweed butter wowing customers and peers alike. The chef is also fiercely dedicated to his own take on terroir ​(ultra-local) cooking, with the majority of his ingredients coming from within walking distance of the pub. 

Sample dishes: ​Rack and shoulder of Monkshill Farm lamb (Pictured), slip sole grilled in seaweed butter, apple soufflé with salted caramel ice cream.