The annual Top 50 Gastropubs of 2023 awards have been announced and there's a new name in the top spot this year as Lancashire's The Parkers Arms takes the title having placed second already in 2022. The venue, which serves award-winning British classics with a focus on locally sourced produce, has featured on the top 50 list for several years now, gradually climbing towards the top.
Masterminding the menu is chef-patron Stosie Madi who, together with her business partner Kathy Smith, has worked hard to make this pub one of the best in the country.
Speaking to the Awards organisers, Madi explained more about their concept, "The Parkers Arms is a country pub that welcomes everyone and their dog. It's all about food and local sourcing and what grows around here and on our doorstep.
"Our menu is also ruled by what's local. We made a decision a long time ago that, if it doesn't grow in the area or within a 30-mile radius, apart from something like chocolate, vanilla or spices, we don't want it on the menu."
Last year's winner, The Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, dropped just one place to second while the highest new entry to the list is The Baring, Islington, which jumps straight in at number 23. The highest placed London-based Gastropub was The Red Lion and Sun, Highgate, in 10th spot.
The top 10 overall looks like this:
- Parkers Arms, Newton-In-Bowland
- The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge
- Freemasons at Wiswell, Wiswell
- The Sportsman, Seasalter
- The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells
- The Angel at Hetton, Hetton
- The White Swan at Fence, Fence
- The Hand & Flowers, Marlow
- The Fordwich Arms, Kent
- The Red Lion and Sun, London