Brook House wins top service award

In an exclusive ceremony held at the 2022 number one gastropub – the Unruly Pig, Bromeswell, Suffolk – Brook House was presented with the service accolade earlier this week (Monday 23 January).

Winning welcome​

The knowledge and friendly approach of the Fulham gastropub’s staff impressed the judges who said: “Guests are greeted on entry by the friendly front of house team and whether dining or drinking at the bar, they will feel equally welcome.

“The team are as knowledgeable as they are friendly, with more than one having started their careers as pastry chefs or back of house.

“This is perhaps why they really understand the menu and food on offer, helping to give narrative to the diner and empathy to the kitchen.”

Other specialist awards included Newcomer of the Year, which was presented to the Oarsman in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

List reveal​

Head chef of the Hand & Flowers, also in Marlow, Tom De Keyser was named the 2023 Chef of the Year while the Baring in Islington, north London was awarded Highest New Entry, coming in on the Top 50 Gastropubs list at number 23.

The Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire took the top spot on the latest lis​t, while the Unruly Pig came in at number two.

Fellow Lancashire pub the Freemasons at Wiswell was named the third best Top 50 Gastropub.

The top 10 gastropubs are:

1. Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire
2. The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
3. Freemasons at Wiswell, Clitheroe, Lancashire
4. The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent
5. The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
6. The Angel at Hetton, Hetton, North Yorkshire
7. The White Swan at Fence, Fence, Lancashire
8. The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
9. The Fordwich Arms, Fordwich, Kent
10. The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, north London

Find the full list here​​​.