Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs 2024: The Unruly Pig reclaims the top spot

The Staff Canteen

Editor

The unruly pig in suffolk was named best gastro pub in the UK at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2024.

The full list was announced at an awards ceremony on Monday, January 22.

This is the second time the gastro pub has claimed the top spot, previously it was number one in 2022. Last year's winner, the Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire drops to seventh place whilst The Cornish Arms in Tavistock, Devon leaps up to number two in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, while The Mariners in Rock, Cornwall sits in third place. Michelin-starred pubs, The Fordwich Arms in Cantebury, Kent is in fourth place and The Sportsman in Seasalter, also in Kent rounds off the top five.

Elsewhere, Kevin Tickle's Heft in Cumbria was named highest climber raising to number 11 in this year's list from number 43, where it entered in 2023. With The Bridge Arms in Kent being the highest new entry at number 15.

Special Awards for One to Watch, Chef of the Year, Estrella Damm’s Sustainable Pub of the Year and Special Recognition were also announced at the awards ceremony, these awards went to:

One to Watch - The Bull's Head, Craswall, Hereford

Chef of the Year - Dan Smith, The Fordwich Arms, Cantebury

Estrella Damm’s Sustainable Pub of the Year - The Loch & Tyne by Adam Handling, Old Windsor

Special Recognition - Andrew Pern, The Star Inn, Harome

Andrew Pern was given the Special Recognition Award at this years awards following a devastating fire at the Star Inn, Harome in 2021. The blaze destroyed the thatched pub, meaning it remained closed for the many months it took to rebuild it. However, Andrew reopened the Star and the Michelin-starred business rose from the ashes in 2022.

The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards are voted for by top foodies and hospitality experts including gastropub operators, food writers, pubco catering development managers and executive chefs, celebrity and top hospitality industry chefs, pub guide editors, industry chiefs and food operators.

See the full list here: www.top50gastropubs.com

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