The Devonshire in Soho took the top slot for the first time, beating triple crown winner the Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Suffolk, which was this year’s number two.
Opening in November 2023, the Devonshire - the brainchild of Charlie Carroll, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Oisin Rogers - has a superb focus on unfussy, classic dishes, combined with an in-house butcher and bakery alongside a reputation for a perfect pint of Guinness.
This year’s third spot was taken by the Red Lion & Sun in Highgate, north London - up from six.
Award winners
Announced yesterday (Monday 26 January) in a glittering ceremony at London’s Plaisterers’ Hall with celebrated chefs Tommy Banks, who’s pub the Abbey Inn, Byland came in at number 13 as well as John Hooker from the Cornish Arms in Tavistock, which was number 10, and their teams cooking an exceptional meal for all.
At the event, award winners were also celebrated with the Rum Fox in Grindleton, Lancashire named Highest New Entry at number nine while the Dog at Wingham jumped a huge 36 places to 12 and crowned the Highest Climber.
This year’s Sustainable Gastropub of the Year was the Wild Rabbit in Kingham, Oxfordshire, impressing judges with its dedication to sustainability across the business.
The Queen of Cups’ Ayesha Kalaji was awarded the prestigious title of the Estrella Damm Chef of the Year.
Real achievement
Moreover, a pub is also recognised as One to Watch and this year’s was Tommy Banks’ General Tarleton, near Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
Judges praised its real finesse across site standards, service, it’s food and drink offer, all underpinned by a confident, supportive team that creates and exceptional working environment and guest experience with clear longevity.
Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the Top 50 Gastropubs, said: “We’re delighted to see the Devonshire recognised for the superb work it does in creating memorable food experiences.
“They’re no strangers to praise and attention but this is a real achievement in such a short space of time.
“This list reflects the sheer passion, innovation and excellence that exists in the food pub sector and I’d like to praise all the pubs on the list for flying the flag for the gastropub sector and setting standards for others to envy.”
The top 10 pubs on the 2026 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list:
- The Devonshire, Soho, London
- The Unruly Pig, Bromeswell, Suffolk
- The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, north London
- The Woolpack Inn, Slad, Gloucestershire
- The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire
- The Angel at Hetton, North Yorkshire
- Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire
- The Rat Inn, Anick, Northumberland
- The Rum Fox, Grindleton, Lancashire
- The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
See the full list here.
