Suffolk

The Top 10 UK Gastropubs of 2024

the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

the hand and flowers the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

freemasons the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

the star inn the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

parkers arms the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

red lion and sun the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

sportsman the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

the fordwich arms the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

mariners the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

cornish arms the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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

unruly pig the top 10 uk gastropubs of 2024 the three drinkers

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