Eldersfield free house the Butchers Arms, owned by James and Elizabeth Winter, was given the coveted title for its “laid-back” atmosphere and daily-changing, seasonal menu.
Chef patron James said: “I’ve been cooking the food I love to eat for the past eight years at the Butchers Arms, so it’s great to hear that other people love it as much as I do.
“This award is not only incredible recognition for us as an individual pub, but it actually supports and recognises pubs in general across the UK. We couldn’t be more thrilled.”
The 25-cover pub was awarded a Michelin star back in 2011, which it has retained every year since then.
Rebecca Burr, editor of the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide 2016, said: “When they started out, owners James and Elizabeth’s aim was to open a ‘real’ countryside pub – a laid back, home-from-home where the locals could come to meet after work and have a good meal.
“And despite their runaway culinary success, that’s exactly the way it has stayed.”
Sample dishes at the Butchers Arms include mushroom and leek tart with melting goat’s cheese, lamb faggots and onions with black pudding, crispy polenta and pea purée and rose water meringues with strawberry jelly and white chocolate ice cream.
Burr added: “James’ cooking has continued to go from strength to strength. He’s a modest, hardworking young man who knows what he wants and his confidence is backed up by his technical skills.”
The Butchers Arms also ranked 34th in 2015’s Top 50 Gastropubs.
2016's Top 50 Gastropubs will be announced at a ceremony held at Anglian Country Inns' Hermitage Road Bar & Kitchen, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire on Monday 25 January. For more information visit www.top50gastropubs.co.uk