Best pubs in the UK 2016
We've rounded up the UK's best pubs for 2016. Did you local make the list?
Following the announcement that East London pub The Marksman has been named the best pub in the UK by Michelin, we round up some other must-visit boozers around the nation.
The Old Anchor Inn, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland
Voted as the ‘Pub of the Year’ at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, the Anchor is well known for its traditional pub grub and generous portions. TripAdvisor users rate is as having some of the best bar food they’ve ever had, with fantastic staff and service. Recommended dish? Opt for the mac and cheese or the steak pie and you won’t be disappointed.
Image: thejollybotanist.co.uk
Jolly Botanist, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Jolly Botanist is not only an award-winning gin bar, but it’s also a diner serving up some traditional pub fare with a modern twist, such as IPA-battered haddock and chips, beef wellington with fondant potatoes and monkfish and prosciutto. The pub was named the best in Edinburgh at the National Pub and Bar Awards, but also has a sound four-bubble rating on TripAdvisor.
The Ben Nevis, Glasgow, Scotland
Winner of the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2016 under the ‘Highly Commended’ category is the Ben Nevis – famous for its choice of whisky and craft beers. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Great selection of whisky, local pub full of colourful locals, friendly staff and a good range of real beers”.
Image: ballooinns.com
The Poacher’s Pocket, Down, Northern Ireland
Featured in the Michelin Guide, and winner of the National Pub and Bar Awards for the best pub in Down, is the Poacher’s Pocket. On the menu, you’ll find a range of continental dishes, from local cauliflower pakoras and Strangford seafood chowder to chicken and chorizo pappardelle.
The Brewer’s House, Tyrone, Northern Ireland
With a bubble rating of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, a certificate of excellence and the title of the best pub in Tyrone at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Brewer’s House is definitely one to visit in this part of the world. Recommended menu items are seafood chowder, the monkfish and not forgetting, as its name suggests, the huge range of locally-brewed beers.
The Yellow Heifer, Armagh, Northern Ireland
The Yellow Heifer has a reputation not just for its bright yellow exterior, but also for its good atmosphere, traditional pub fare and classic Sunday lunches. As well as winning the best pub in Armagh at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Yellow Heifer also bagged an award by Hospitality Ulster for its commitment to local food.
The Felin Fach Griffin, Powys, Wales
Kicking off the best pubs in Wales is the Felin Fach Griffin, Powys – a four-star hotel pub nestled between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. But it’s not just its location bringing the pub to this list. It has won ‘Dining Pub of the Year’ for the sixth time in seven years in the Good Pub Guide, was voted in the top 100 restaurants by Square Meal and won the award for best pub in Powys in the National Pub and Bar Awards. We probably don’t need to say anymore.
Bunch of Grapes, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
As well as its great name, the Bunch of Grapes is also recognised for using local ingredients, brewing its own beer and baking its own bread, which is highly recommended. The well-loved 19th-century pub has won the 2016 Dining Pub of the Year from the Good Pub Guide, the AA Pub of the Year for Wales 2015 and the CAMRA Pub of the Year for Wales 2016. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This is a real little gem with the finest beers you can ever imagine.”
Image: Google Maps
The Stackpole Inn, Dyfed, Wales
This village inn within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was the 2016 winner of the best pub in Dyfed at the National Pub and Bar Awards and has also previously claimed the award for “Best Gastropub in Wales” at the Great British Pub Awards. And the food? TripAdvisor users rate the “exceptional cheese and freshly baked bread”, as well as the “fantastic range of freshly-grilled fish”.
Image: Pipe and Glass/ Facebook
Pipe and Glass, Beverley, Yorkshire
This Michelin-starred pub was taken over by James and Kate Mackenzie in 2006, who transformed it into the award-winning pub it is today. Don’t be put off by its Michelin accolade though as it’s still very much a local and friendly pub serving up hearty dishes such as braised crispy lamb shoulder, traditional pork sausages with bubble and squeak and goat’s cheese and kale wellington.
Bull and Swan, Stamford, Lincolnshire
The Bull and Swan is a popular nominee for awards in the foodie industry and was featured in the top 50 best pubs in 2014 by the Times and shortlisted as the ‘Best Inn’ category at the Great British Pub Awards. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The pub is great – old school, with nice beers, good atmosphere and lovely staff – service with a true smile.”
Image: Ian S/ Geograph
The Robin Hood, South Yorkshire
Winner of the best pub in South Yorkshire at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Robin Hood prides itself on sustainable food and local ingredients. It recently won the 2016 Good Egg Award for compassion in world farming, and serves up local dishes such as farm-assured roast British chicken, slow-cooked beef and line-caught cod in Ember Inns Pale Ale batter.
The Lion, Craven Arms, Shropshire
Shropshire is full of quality country pubs, but topping the list is the Lion in Craven Arms, which recently won the best pub in Shropshire at the National Pub and Bar Awards. The pub’s food has been awarded with an AA rosette and has been listed in the Michelin Guide. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The food was absolutely delicious, the bar was creative and attractive, service was quite pleasant and the prices were fair”.
The Royal Pug, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
As well as topping the list of the pubs in Warwickshire at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Royal Pug is a favourite among locals for its good selection of beers, as well as traditional pub food and tapas. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Superb tapas lunch, sitting in the garden area with the sun shining, what more could you ask for – fabulous food, good beer and attentive service”.
Crown & Sandy’s, Ombersley, Worcestershire
Featured in the Good Pub Guide and winner of the best pub in Worcestershire at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Crown & Sandy’s is a former coaching inn dating back to the 17th century. On the menu you’ll find the likes of good old-fashioned fish and chips, as well as soy and lime salmon fillet and slowly-roasted belly of pork.
Image: churchinnmobberley.co.uk
The Church Inn, Mobberley, Cheshire
Located between Macclesfield and Knutsford, the 18th-century Church Inn in Mobberley is renowned for its dining rooms. It's something of a phoenix from the flames, as it was acquired in "a near derelict state" by Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin back in 2013. It won best pub overall at the 2016 National Pub and Bar Awards, as well as the best pub in Cheshire.
The Marble Arch, Manchester
Winner of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2015 award for ‘Pub of the Year’, the Marble Arch is a local favourite in the area, but also across the UK. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This quickly became the pub of choice for lunch, the beer which is mostly their own is exceptional. Food for a pub is better than most restaurants.”
Image: maegertons.com
Ma Egerton’s Stage Door, Liverpool
Ma Egerton’s Stage Door dates back to 1869 and has played host to a whole range of stars including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse and the Beatles. This year it won the title of best pub in Liverpool at the National Pub and Bar Awards and has 4.5 bubbles on TripAdvisor for everything from its pub grub to its drinks and entertainment.
The Bull, Ditchling, East Sussex
This charming pub/hotel in East Sussex claimed the title of ‘Great British Pub of the Year’ at the Great British Pub Awards 2016, fighting off competition from over 1,000 pubs over the UK. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Had a delicious dinner from the varied and imaginative menu, along with excellent ales and wines. Our full English breakfast was delicious too.”
Image: theswaninnchiddingfold.com
The Swan Inn, Chiddingford, Surrey
Winner of the best pub in Surrey at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Swan Inn is a traditional country inn. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Just perfect. Great atmosphere, friendly and efficient service, inventive, gastronomic menu and absolutely delicious food. Couldn't fault it and will definitely return.”
The Thatch, Oxford
This perfectly thatched gastropub is everything you’d want from an Oxford pub: low-beamed ceilings, flagstone floors and big armchairs. On top of that, the pub food is pretty impressive too, with dishes such as salt beef croquettes and seared king scallops on the menu. So it's no surprise the pub won the title of best pub in Oxfordshire at the National Pub and Bar Awards.
Woods Bar & Restaurant, Dulverton, Somerset
Somerset isn’t short of contenders for some of the best pubs in the UK, but Woods certainly tops the list. As well as its great food and atmosphere, the pub is particularly acclaimed for its wine list, winning ‘National Wine Pub of the Year’ from the Good Pub Guide eight times since 2007. If you’re looking for a recommended dish to accompany that wine, TripAdvisor users rate the “epic Sunday lunch”.
Horse & Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Horse & Groom has fought off tough competition, but is no doubt among the best pubs in the UK. Winner of a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for the past three years, the pub has got a fine reputation and awards to its name. TripAdvisor soundbite: “The mallard and the beef wellington were amongst the best meals we have had in recent years.”
Image: Facebook/Compasses Inn
The Compasses, Chicksgrove, Wiltshire
Three-time winner of the Wiltshire ‘Dining Pub of the Year’ in the Good Pub Guide, the Compasses is highly rated by locals and tourists alike. The 14th-entury pub has a 4.5 bubble rating on TripAdvisor, with users proclaiming “it’s like going back around 400 years as one enters, except the food is quite delicious and bang up to date”.
Image: Ewan Munro/Flickr
The Marksman, Bethnal Green, London
According to the Michelin Guide, the Marksman is the best pub in the UK for food. The East London hostelry serves traditional fare but with a twist. On the menu you’ll find dishes such as cockles, Tamworth sausage and wild fennel, as well as pig skins and smoked cod’s roe, and treacle-cured pig’s belly.
Image: juggedhare.com
The Jugged Hare, Barbican, London
Winner of the best pub in the City of London at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Jugged Hare, located right on the doorstep of the Barbican Centre, is a gastropub with all the traditions of an old-fashioned London pub, except it also has lots of stuffed animals in the window (yes, really). TripAdvisor soundbite: “Great venue, excellent service and the food was divine!"
Image: theculpeper.com
The Culpeper, Aldgate, London
Also residing in East London is the Culpeper in Aldgate, which won the award for best pub in Greater London at the National Pub and Bar Awards, but is also popular among locals and TripAdvisor users, who recommend the Sunday roast and fish and chips. “Had fried fish and chips. The best I have ever tasted! The batter, well, it could have been a dish on its own! Amazing!”
Freemasons Country Inn, Wiswell, Clitheroe, Lancashire
Winner of the ‘Best Food Pub’ at the Great British Pub Awards, the Freemasons Country Inn at Wiswell serves up five- and seven-course tasting menus, Sunday lunch, and a regular menu, including slow cooked pork, lobster and grouse.
The White Mare, Beckermet, Cumbria
Also a winner at the Great British Pub Awards was the White Mare, which claimed the title of ‘Best Newcomer for 2016’, as well as the ‘Best Pub in Cumbria’ for its quality food and good atmosphere. TripAdvisor users recommend the baked turbot in saffron sauce as well as the selection of specialist gins.
Head of Steam, Durham
Known for its roof terrace and courtyard, the Head of Steam won the award for best pub in Durham at the National Pub and Bar Awards. TripAdvisor soundbite: “This place offers a great range of beers and gin. The food is also excellent.”
Battlesteads, Hexham, Northumberland
Battlesteads has won numerous awards, most recently ‘Eco Hotel of the Year’ at the AA Hospitality Awards, as well as an award for the best pub in Northumberland at the National Pub and Bar Awards. On the menu you’ll find the likes of venison bourguignon, wild rabbit rillettes and parmesan and truffle fries.
Image: Facebook/ The Pug & Greyhound
The Pug & Greyhound, Great Glen, Leicestershire
This 18th-century village pub in Great Glen, Leicestershire was awarded the title of best pub in Leicestershire at the National Pub and Bar Awards, but not just for its popularity with dog lovers. The modern pub is also much loved for its food and drink. TripAdvisor soundbite: “I must say I was really impressed by everything, the food was delicious and served in quirky dishes. I had the walnut, stilton, pear and gem lettuce starter which was just lovely.”
Image: theoldwhitehartinn.com
The Old White Hart, Northampton
The Old White Hart opened in 2005, but has been popular among foodies ever since. It won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, as well as the award for the best pub in Northamptonshire in 2016 at the National Pub and Bar Awards. Recommended dishes? TripAdvisor users love the homemade ice cream, the Sunday roast and the venison.
Image: Twitter/@TheGuntonArms
The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market, Norfolk
Located on a 1,000-acre deer park dating back to the 18th century, the Gunton Arms is an upscale pub serving an extensive range of dishes such as rump of red deer and loin of Gunton Fallow deer. The National Pub and Bar Awards voted it the best pub in Norfolk.
Image: dparys.co.uk
d’Parys, Bedford, Bedfordshire
This family-run pub, which the National Pub and Bar Awards voted the best in Bedfordshire, is set in a Victorian-era building and serves upscale traditional pub grub, such as beer-battered fish and chips, fish pie and duck breast.
The Cricketers, Weston, Hertfordshire
Winner of the best pub in Hertfordshire at the National Pub and Bar Awards, the Cricketers is located in the pretty village of Weston and has all the characteristics of a traditional village pub. TripAdvisor soundbite: “Ate here with my family for the first time on Sunday, my veggie burger was the best by far that I have ever had, the meat eaters had a roast and were equally delighted, we all agreed that we will make the Cricketers our place to eat regularly.”
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