Heston Blumenthal praises British pubs after GBPA win

02-Oct-2024 - Last updated on 02-Oct-2024 at 08:08 GMT

Head-ing the field: Heston Blumenthal has praised the British pub

World-renowned chef Heston Blumenthal has praised UK pubs after scooping the Great British Pubs Awards 2024 Best for Food category at his Hinds Head site.

The chef, whose scientific approach to food has previously dubbed ‘molecular gastronomy’, reflected upon the GBPA victory as the pub in Bray, Berkshire, has turned 20 years of age.

Blumenthal OBE, who operates The Fat Duck restaurant in the same town as the Hinds Head, said: “I love a great British Pub – robust, comforting food, good beer, wood panelling, an open fire – and I am extremely proud that the Hinds Head has been recognised as exactly that.

“It is particularly special to be named as the best pub in Britain for food. We have long championed British produce and tried to showcase just how good British traditional cuisine can be.

Iconic dishes

“In the Hinds Head kitchens, we have perfected some truly iconic dishes, including oxtail & kidney pudding and the triple-cooked chip. This amazing award is a testament to all the hard work the team puts in, both in the kitchen and front of house.”

Peter Gray executive chef at Hinds Head and the fish & chips — Hinds Head executive chef Peter Gray and the pub's famous fish & chips

The high quality of the food offer combined with the impressive drinks offer at the friendly establishment were factors in GBPA judges choosing the pub above an extremely competitive field of finalists.

Blumenthal added: “We’ve looked at every aspect of every dish to make it as good as it can possibly be, from the beautiful ooziness of the egg in our Scotch egg – which no one had done before – to the delicious crispiness of our fish batter and the rich smoothness of our mash.

“Even our pub snacks are inventive, fun and totally tasty. We have made sure every dish has contrasts of texture and a real intensity of flavour. The Hereford ribeye or bavette of Aberdeen Angus beef – each of which comes with a choice of three incredible sauces (Béarnaise, Reform, bone marrow) – has to be eaten to be believed.”

Best of Britain

Head chef Edoardo Brambilla said: “I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to win this award. The Hinds Head menu reflects the best of Britain, from our traditional Sunday roast to the strawberry Eton mess and everything in between.

“For us, fresh British produce is the star of the show, and we will continue to create exciting dishes and revisit, reinvent and revitalise the great British classics.”

Restaurant manager Ellen Romeo added: “The Hinds Head is, simply, the best country pub going – and yet it’s easily accessible from London.

“A quick trip on the Elizabeth Line and you’re in the perfect place for a pub lunch or dinner in a welcoming and cosy atmosphere. I am thrilled to be part of the team that has won such an incredible award, and we look forward to welcoming guests who want to be part of the experience.”