Gastropub of the Year
The Duke Hotel Hilmarton, 1 Church road SN11 8SD
The Duke Hotel Hilmarton – Best Gastro Pub of the Year Tucked away in the beautiful Wiltshire village of Hilmarton, The Duke Hotel is an independent, family-run gastro pub where great food, genuine hospitality and a strong sense of community come together. Our philosophy is simple: exceptional food should begin with exceptional ingredients. We work closely with local, independent suppliers wherever possible, sourcing quality Wiltshire produce, grass-fed local beef, free-range eggs, seasonal vegetables and sustainably caught British fish. Our menus change with the seasons, we minimise food waste by using as much of each ingredient as possible, and our kitchen waste is composted to help grow our own herbs and vegetables. What makes The Duke special is that we combine the character and warmth of a traditional British pub with the ambition and creativity of a modern restaurant. Our chefs blend classical gastronomic techniques with European and Asian influences, creating food that is exciting and memorable while remaining true to our local roots. We believe a great gastro pub is about more than what arrives on the plate. It is about the welcome, the atmosphere, the drinks, the service and the feeling that makes guests want to return. From our historic 1843 pub and cosy dining spaces to our carefully selected drinks and four boutique bedrooms, The Duke offers guests a complete hospitality experience. We are proud that our commitment to food and hospitality has already been recognised, including being named Best Restaurant in Wiltshire in the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards, while our restaurant holds two AA Rosettes. We believe The Duke deserves to win Best Gastro Pub of the Year because we are not simply serving food in a pub. We are building something with heart: a destination where local produce, ambitious cooking, sustainability and genuine hospitality come together. For us, every plate is an opportunity to showcase Wiltshire, support local producers and give our guests a reason to come back.
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