Shibden Mill, Halifax, West Yorkshire
No stranger to awards, the Shibden Mill Inn is known locally as a hidden gem. Located on the outskirts of Halifax, the pub, which also has 11 individually styled bedrooms, was converted in 1890 from a corn and spinning mill.
Guests can also enjoy stunning views across West Yorkshire and the Shibden Estate where Anne Lister – who the programme Gentleman Jack was based on – once lived.
Alongside a plethora of wines, various gins and whiskies and a Cask Marque-accredited ales, the pub has a wide drinks offer for a raft of guests.
The kitchen is headed up by Will Webster with the menu featuring ingredients from the pub’s own kitchen garden just across the road where many of the ingredients on the menu are grown.
Across its seven menus (including breakfast), diners can taste pub classics such as steak and Estrella-battered haddock, alongside dishes featuring salt-aged beef loin, basil gnocchi and mushroom hotdog.
Recently, the Shibden Mill took home the title of Foodie’s Favourite in the 2022 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list and holds an AA five star status.
The Alice Hawthorn, York, North Yorkshire
This charming country pub is situated off the beaten track, nestled in the heart of a historic North Yorkshire village, boasting a large beer garden and spacious car park, overlooking the picturesque village green.
The Alice Hawthorn has something for everyone with a strong drinks offer, delicious menus alongside a variety of rooms for those wishing to stay.
A good selection of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic tipples behind the bar including an extensive wine list and a great selection of real ales make it a welcoming place for all.
Food doesn’t travel far to get to the Alice as it has absolute freshness at its heart, taking the rustic and simple, turning them into something wonderful.
Mains include salt-aged Yorkshire duck, chargrilled Yorkshire Dales lamb rump and roast loin of halibut.
The pub is also home to a MiBrasa Grill, which is utilised for dishes such as its roasted pineapple dessert.
Coach & Horses, Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe, Lancashire
In the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, the pub is close to many visitor attractions such as the medieval Clitheroe Castle and the renowned Pendle Hill.
The Coach & Horses has seven unique bedrooms for those wishing to get away, which has helped the pub take the title of the 2021 Lancashire Tourism Awards ‘Perfect Stay’.
The country pub is also home to a microbrewery where beers produced that include Bolton-by-Bowland well water, are served on the bar, alongside a plethora of options to quench visitors’ thirsts.
Head chef Ian Moss, formerly of the Harwood Arms, The Ledbury and Northcote, has crafted a six-course tasting menu with dishes showcasing the county’s reputation for great food.
Diners can enjoy eating quality food that feature seasonal ingredients, locally sourced where possible.
There is something for everyone at the Coach & Horses from its casual sandwich menu to fantastic Sunday roasts and of course, its fine dining tasting menu.
The Tiger Inn, Stowting, Ashford, Kent
Ingredients on the Tiger’s menu are local and seasonal, creating dishes that are good quality, with a mixture of classic pub food as well as interesting premium dishes.
This charming country pub prides itself on its roaring log fires, hanging hops and delicious home-cooked dishes.
Its seasonally changing menu is created by a kitchen team who curate hearty British-inspired meals, celebrating local produce wherever possible.
Local sourcing is a focus across the Kent pub’s offer with drinks from local breweries and suppliers as well as a number of ingredients from nearby producers.
As part of this, herbs and garnishes are grown on site before being utilised in drinks and food.
The menu has a good mixture of traditional pub grub with an upmarket twist including a steak burger, beer battered fish and chips and salmon fish cake alongside gluten-free, vegan and other dietary requirement friendly alternatives.
The Angel at Watlington, Norfolk
Locals and visitors alike are welcome at the Angel at Watlington, which is based just outside of Kings Lynn.
The pub has recently undergone a full refurbishment and is now run by the award-winning chef Richard Crouch and Emily Phipps.
The freshest of ingredients are on offer with menus representative of this with dishes changing regularly.
From special occasions to traditional Sunday lunches, the pub has something for everything and houses a Big Green Egg in the kitchen, bringing the great flavour of cooking on coals into dishes.
With regards to its drinks offer, the Angel serves a wide selection of wines, spirits, Cask Marque-accredited cask ales and lagers.
Local oysters are available for starters, mains include dressed Cromer crab and for dessert, options include Norfolk lavender and pear frangipane tart.
The Kitchen at Cross Keys, Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
This multi-award winning venue lies in the heart of Epperstone. A country dining pub with delicious, fresh and seasonal menus, fine wines and ales.
The village pub is 15 minutes from Nottingham city centre and guests can treat themselves from a selection of wines from across the globe.
Chef-patron Des Sweeney has an impressive CV having cooked for the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, Balmoral and aboard the QE2.
Menus at the pub change daily, based on what the butchers and the fishmongers have on offer.
This means meat and fish come direct from local farmers and businesses where possible and some of the vegetables and herbs coming from the pub’s own kitchen garden.
Rather than specials, the Cross Keys offers a menu of the day where two courses are available for £17.95, always including its signature dish – the Cross Keys bread and butter pudding with butterscotch sauce.
