Ribble Valley gastropubs officially named the best in the UK

The Parkers Arms in Clitheroe has been named the UK’s top gastropub by the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list 2023. The female-owned pub, headed up by Kathy Smith and Stosie Madi was thrilled to have been voted number two last year and now they’ve reached the top. Set deep in the Lancashire hills, The Parkers Arms, which opened early in 2007, has been described as ‘a little gem’. The judges felt it was a great example of a true gastropub which takes pride in sourcing local produce from the very best suppliers.

Last year’s winner and the host of this year’s list, reveal was The Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, Suffolk which came in at number two. Head chefs, Dave and Karl, are the powerhouse behind their kitchen team. Placed at number three, is another Ribble Valley pub, Freemasons at Wiswell, which can now add this to its already bulging raft of accolates. Set in the quaint Ribble Valley village, it blends the ultimate gastronomic experience in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere.

The South dominated the rest of this year’s list, claiming 22 of the Top 50.  The Mariners, set in Rock, Cornwall was voted number 11 on the list this year. Celebrity chef, Paul Ainsworth and his wife, Emma relaunched the pub in 2019 and work with Cornish suppliers to gather the very best produce for their menu. The North of the UK wasn’t far behind, claiming 16 of the top 50 spots.

This year’s highest climber was The Cadeleigh Arms in Tiverton, moving up 31 places from last year to claim number 17 on the list. Tucked away in the hills above the River Exe, this dog-friendly gastropub is known for its welcoming charm.

There are five new entrants on this year’s Top 50 list including The Baring in London, the highest new entrant, which came in at number 23. The Baring is the ideal neighbourhood pub, focusing on cooking sustainably. In the East, on the marshy coastline of Norfolk you’ll find The White Horse, another new entrant, voted number 34 on this year’s list.

Other awards announced today were, One to Watch – which was given to The Victoria Oxshott, in Surrey. The Oarsman in Marlow was awarded Newcomer of the Year. Brook House in Fulham won best Front of House Team, and Chef of the Year went to Tom De Keyser, head chef of The Hand & Flowers in Marlow.

Heft in High Newton, Cumbria, which we wrote about recently, came in at number 43.

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 that 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 50 Gastropubs 2023

For the full list, visit www.top50gastropubs.com and follow \on Twitter and Instagram @Top50Gastropubs.