Top 50 Gastropubs
New number one Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub
The rural pub, which is run by Stosie Madi and Kathy Smith, was voted in a number two last year but has topped the list for 2023.
The Parkers Arms is a true gastropub, nestled in the Forest of Bowland, which takes pride in sourcing local produce from the highest quality suppliers.
Chef-patron Stosie Madi told The Morning Advertiser: "I was not expecting it, it was the most unexpected thing. Not because I don't think we don't deserve it but because being in the Top 50 list is already a huge win.
"Over the years, most of our wonderful achievements have been because the Top 50 have always taken note of us. I feel truly honoured and beyond happy to be number one of that list."
Last year’s number one – the Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Suffolk – took second place this year and was also the host of the 2023 ceremony.
Head chefs Dave Wall and Karl Green are known as the ‘dynamic duo’ and are the powerhouse behind the kitchen team.
On being named number two on this year's list, owner Brendan Padfield told The Morning Advertiser: "An exceptional result and an incredibly well-deserved win by Stosie and Kathy who are extraordinary and stand-out players in our sector. Well done to everyone who made the list. It's an extraordinary privilege and number two is so welcome and so surprising after an extraordinary win last year."
Gastronomic experience
Lancashire-based the Freemason at Wiswell took spot number three. Set in the Ribble Valley, the pub blends the ultimate gastronomic experience in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere.
The south dominated the list this year, claiming almost half (22) of the Top 50. The Mariners in Rock, Cornwall was listed at number 11.
Celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth and his wife Emma relaunched the site in 2019 and work with Cornish suppliers to gather the best produce on offer. Furthermore, the north claimed 16 of the 50 spots.
New entrants
The highest climber was the Cadeleigh Arms in Tiverton, Devon, which soared 31 places up the list to number 17.
This year’s list also featured five new entrants including the Baring, Islington, north London, coming in at number 23.
Moreover, the event also celebrated specialist awards – the Oarsman in Marlow, Buckinghamshire was presented with the Newcomer of the Year award while Front of House Team was presented to Brook House in Fulham, west London.
The Victoria in Oxshott, Surrey was named the One to Watch and Chef of the Year was awarded to Tom De Keyser – head chef of the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
Top 50 Gastropubs publisher Chris Lowe said: “We are thrilled to see such a strong list of contenders this year, including five new entrants.
“The Top 50 Gastropubs provides a space for food and drink lovers the opportunity to explore the best the UK has to offer.
“We are delighted to host this year’s event at the Unruly Pig, showcasing the vast amount of talent across the UK.”
The top 10 gastropubs are:
- Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire
- The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
- Freemasons at Wiswell, Clitheroe, Lancashire
- The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent
- The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
- The Angel at Hetton, Hetton, North Yorkshire
- The White Swan at Fence, Fence, Lancashire
- The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
- The Fordwich Arms, Fordwich, Kent
- The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, north London
Find the full list here.
