Leading Gastropubs in the UK

Oldstead, York, North Yorkshire  

A handsome, double bow-fronted 16th century building set amid the beautiful North York Moors. The Black Swan provides a tranquil setting for some superior grub. Inside there’s... more

Foxbank, Cotebrook, Tarporley, Cheshire  

The Fox and Barrel has been lovingly restored in recent years and the huge open log fire is back in use, and new oak flooring leads onto an attractive landscaped beer garden... more

Skipton, North Yorkshire  

This isn't just any old gastropub. Run by Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft of Michelin starred-Northcote fame, its the fourth of their Ribble Valley Inns that also includes... more

24 Chalfont Road, Seer Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire  

Since its tasteful transformation, not only has the quality of the modern British cuisine increased but the pub has become the hub of the local community once more, bringing... more

45 The Green, Hurworth, Darlington, Durham  

The Bay Horse has been sympathetically refurbished to maintain the charm of a period English pub whilst including some elegant touches such as the brocade fabric used to... more

Farnham, Blandford Forum, Dorset  

This part thatched 17 century inn is a gem hidden in Dorset’ bucolic countryside, thanks to its charming bar and adjacent The Shed restaurant, a smartly kitted-out ‘barn’.... more

2 Westbrook End, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire  

With around 300 wines by the glass and one of the world’s top sommeliers in the form of John Gilchrist to guide you through them, this thatched gastropub close to Milton... more

West End, South Dalton, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire  

Since taking over this 15th century rural pub in 2006, ex-The Star Inn at Harome chef James MacKenzie and wife Kate have been showered with accolades including restaurant and... more

Hurley RoadHurley, Maidenhead, Berkshire  

In one of the most beautiful parts of the Chilterns, the Black Boys Inn specialises in French home cooking as evolved by women chefs, the famous 'Méres de Lyons', over the... more

High Street, Royston, Hertfordshire  

This smart dining room of this beautifully preserved 16th century inn boasts beamed ceilings, open fireplace and comfortable seating. Former Fortnum and Mason executive chef... more

High Street, Droxford, Hampshire  

Nestled in the picturesque village of Droxford, The Bakers Arms is pub dining at its very best serving hearty portions of good quality, locally sourced food in an atmospheric,... more

The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire  

In the gentile honey-stoned surroundings of the Cotswolds, this impressive pub and hotel has earned a notable reputation for its quality food as much as its elegant... more

Penny Lane, Totley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire  

The Cricket Inn on the edge of the Peak District offers a friendly welcome to muddy boots, dogs and little people alike. It offers hearty meals and plenty of outdoor seating... more

High Street, West Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire  

The grounds and gardens of the Thomas Lord are beautifully well designed and the décor is stripped back and simplistic yet homely with a couple of log fires, well worn leather... more

Alstonefield, Ashbourne, Staffordshire  

The George is a 400 year old village pub, which has retained its traditional charm in its idyllic countryside setting on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Dogs and... more

Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk  

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the coastline of North Norfolk, the White Horse is an award winning gastropub with rooms. The pub is decorated in a modern... more

Main Street, Brearton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire  

A white washed 16th century house is home to this family run village pub and restaurant. Old oak beams, flagstone floors, blazing log fires and comfy leather armchairs create... more

Village Street, Longstock, Stockbridge, Hampshire  

This delightful dining pub with rooms almost defines the term “hidden gem.” Tucked away in a tiny Hampshire village in the Test Valley (England’s shooting and fishing... more

Remenham Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire  

This food-led pub, just over the bridge from Henley town centre, is a destination for all seasons. Cosy up beside the open fire in the attractively contemporary bar in the... more

Perranuthnoe, Penzance, Cornwall  

The Victoria Inn is one of the oldest public houses in Cornwall. It can be found in the small coastal village of Perranuthnoe, only 4 miles from Penzance. Stewart and Anna... more

Titley, Kington, Herefordshire  

You can still just pop in for a drink at this rural Heredfordshire pub. But since 2001 when it became world famous as the first gastropub to win a coveted Michelin star,... more

Sutton Gault, Sutton, Ely, Cambridgeshire  

Dating back to 1659 and chock-full of character, this old English pub is a historic setting to enjoy some freshly cooked food, but if it’s a feast for your taste-buds, rather... more

Keyston, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire  

Husband and wife team Jay and Taffeta Scrimshaw bring London fine dining to a sleepy Cambridge village. Set in a spectacular olde worlde thatched inn The Pheasant retains a... more

Chapel Lane, East Chiltington, Lewes, East Sussex  

A cosy bar welcomes you as you enter this weather boarded pub in the Sussex countryside. The main dining area shares the same rustic charm albeit with a contemporary edge... more

High Street, Madingley, Cambridgeshire  

This charming thatched inn features an intimate and lively bar, conservatory-restaurant and large garden area that borders the local cricket pitch; the perfect English village... more

Bridge Road, Broughton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire  

Merging modern touches with period character, The Crown Inn Restaurant is nestled in the idyllic hamlet of Broughton, in the Cambridgeshire countryside and is a charming... more

Capel Dewi, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire  

This former country pub is now an informal restaurant offering simple, gusty food of excellent quality. The cosy bar and restaurant has a shabby chic style with its assorted... more

Sapperton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire  

Fragrant lavender lines the path that leads up the front door of this charming Cotswold pub. Inside the exposed stone walls and beams are still present but the building has... more

Speldhurst, Kent  

The George & Dragon is a medieval pub in Speldhurst and reported to be the second oldest pub in the country. This 13th Century Inn is atmospheric with traditional old oak... more

Clay Street, Crockerton, Warminster, Wiltshire  

Wood floors and open fires provide a welcoming atmosphere to this traditional country pub with rooms on the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire. Chef proprietor Dean Carr has the... more

Darley Road, Stone Edge, Chesterfield, Derbyshire  

Enjoying an enviable location on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the Red Lion Pub and Bistro is set in a beautiful old building, which has retained much of its... more

12 College Place, Brighton, East Sussex  

At the Ginger Dog the same standard of food is offered as its sister restaurant The Gingerman in a more casual environment. The back street pub has been turned into a... more

Old Burghclere, Newbury, Berkshire  

Dew Pound is a 16th century country house restaurant located in the hamlet of Old Burghclere, some six miles south of Newbury. The period features and original oak beams are... more

Clifton, Penrith, Cumbria  

These days, you've got to have a philosophy, even if you're a pub. But if yours is a credo of “sustainability, simplicity and taste” that taps into the 800 year culinary... more

126 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire  

What was a run down local pub at the far end of the high street has become a culinary beacon for the delightful Georgian town of Marlow. With IPA on tap and big, chunky wooden... more

Hollington Cross, Andover Road, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire  

The Yew Tree Inn - It seems wrong to call it a pub when the very proper dining room comes complete with an Art Deco mirrored screen, linen covered tables and leather banquette... more

Newton on Ouse, York, North Yorkshire  

This is no ordinary pub. There's the picturesque setting on the banks of the River Ouse, the inviting open fire and homely scrubbed wooden stools and tables. But more... more

Faversham Road, Seasalter, Whitstable, Kent  

An unassuming pub exterior conceals a restaurant of high culinary ambition. They make their own sourdough bread, butter, and even salt from the nearby seawater. Inside is all... more

Coggeshall Road, Kelvedon, Essex  

The George and Dragon offers modern British cuisine in a tranquil environment. The natural tones and general airiness of the place lend the pub a Zen quality whether relaxing... more

Station Road, Ivinghoe, Bedfordshire  

Situated in beautiful, ivy clad 17th century building overlooking the village green, The Kings Head has plenty to recommend it even before you open a menu. The traditional... more

Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland  

Three farm labourers cottages were knocked together to make a pub in the late 19th century, The Olive Branch has now been re-established as the heart of the village of... more

Shiplake Row, Binfield, Oxfordshire  

Upcoming chef Ryan Simpson recently opened Orwells in an 18th-century Oxfordshire country pub. Inspired by its beautiful kitchen garden and views across the rolling... more

Church Lane, Baslow, Derbyshire  

Regal purple and bold canvases feature prominently in the decor of this modern British brasserie providing a lively contrast to the pale wood floors and furniture. Support... more

Boroughbridge RoadFerrensby, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire  

There’s a lot of history associated with this former 18th century coaching inn, and not only because it’s named after a notorious general who fought in the American war of... more

Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hampshire  

Wellington Arms is a homely pub restaurant which serves good, honest, local food executed with understated finesse. Owners Simon Page and Jason King are living the good life... more

35 Marlborough Buildings, Bath, Bath & Northeast Somerset  

A short, fresh menu full of big, unfussy flavours and even bigger portions concentrates on home cooked food using robust seasonal ingredients. Upmarket burgers, fish and chips... more

2 High Street, Hunsdon, Hertfordshire  

The Fox & Hounds sums up what pub dining should be about, large portions of good quality local cuisine, served up in warm, comfortable surroundings by attentive staff. This... more

Nantyderry, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire  

Chef Matt Tebutt has become something of a fixture on our television screens of late, appearing on a number of foodie programmes. But he's no Johnny-come-lately to the... more

31 High Street, Stockbridge, Hampshire  

The Greyhouse Inn is a converted 15th Century coaching inn serving modern European cuisine and has seven boutique guest rooms. The open plan dining area has bare floor boards,... more

Bampton Road, Clanfield, Oxfordshire  

The Clanfield Tavern pulls off the tricky juxtaposition of being an historic country pub and smart, modern dining room with aplomb. Opt for traditional fare in the low-slung,... more