After the rockiest 12 months in pub history, the sector is itching to throw open its doors to foodies and drinkers across the UK.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many organisations to change and Top 50 Gastropubs is by no means shielded from that. This year the list reveal has been streamed, with the inner workings of the event visible to the public for the first time.
As a result, Top 50 fans are able to watch the countdown of the list, which is usually held behind closed doors, in the comfort of their own homes.
In another first, we’re also shouting loudly about 50 more gastropubs in an extension of our main list, which means consumers will now be able to see 100 of the UK’s top gastropubs.
Best in the UK
Each year Top 50 Gastropubs champions and highlights 50 of the UK’s best gastropubs (of course there are hundreds more out there) and by extending our list to 100 this year we hope to show more of these unique businesses to hungry punters across the country.
Top 50 Gastropubs editor Nicholas Robinson said: “The word gastropub does not define a particular cuisine, style of venue or experience. To us, gastropub means personality, uniqueness, bravery and skill. And although the pubs on our annual list are voted for, we know there are hundreds more out there that deserve recognition too. Go out there, find them and tell us about your Top 50 Gastropubs.
“What’s great about gastropubs is the diversity of the food they offer. It’s not all fine dining with foams and gels, but a real mix of high-end, refined restaurant quality dishes mixed with pub classics and simple food.
“But what ties all amazing gastropubs together is the quality of their ingredients, the skills of the chefs behind the dishes and the environment you eat in.”
Robinson continued: “With our extended list this year, we’re able to show you that some gastropubs serve Michelin-starred food and do that exceptionally well, while others exceed with award-winning American barbeque food that is perfect and also deserves to be recognised.
“The pandemic brought with it many challenges, but gastropub owners stood strong and ensured their businesses would survive. This is an outstanding segment of pubs and it has the strength, intelligence and creativity to grow in strength.
Every gastropub is a winner
“This is my last year as editor of Top 50 Gastropubs, it has been a magical six years where I’ve seen this community grow into something phenomenal. Every gastropub in the UK in 2021 is a winner in my eyes.”
Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs publisher, Christopher Lowe said: “Gastropubs have struggled as much as any this year and despite being owned by celebrity chefs such as Tom Kerridge and Paul Ainsworth, the risk of their closure has been real. This year, more than any before, we want to show solidarity and support with the hope that these names can inspire future generations to open their own award-winning pub or restaurant.”
James Healey, UK Country Manager for Estrella Damm, said: "Estrella Damm has always been proud to support the UK's gastropubs, especially in times like these, and this year these gastropubs deserve more recognition for their exceptional work than ever before.
“This is the sixth year we have sponsored the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards and whilst we’re not able to celebrate in person, we hope that this list encourages the UK public to visit and support these quality gastropubs, as well as their favourite locals, when they can.
“We want to extend our congratulations to all gastropubs on the list and hope all pub-goers are lucky enough to experience their talent soon.”
Top 10 Gastropubs:
- The Sportsman, Kent
- The Star at Harome, North Yorkshire
- The Harwood Arms, London (2020 No1)
- The Parkers Arms, Lancashire
- The Mariners, Cornwall
- Freemasons at Wiswell, Lancashire
- The Hand & Flowers, Bucks
- The Compasses, Kent
- The Coach, Bucks
- The Unruly Pig, Suffolk
For the full list, visit www.top50gastropubs.com