The votes have been counted and the results are in. The top fifty Gastropubs for 2023 have been selected and fortunately for Mancunians a select few lie on our doorstep. They may not necessarily be in Greater Manchester but take a short drive and you’ll be able to sample some of the finest gastro pubs our country has to offer.
The Pack Horse, Derbyshire (#18)
Nestled in the centre of the impossibly quaint village of Hayfield lies The PackHorse. A pub that perfectly blends a complex and forward-thinking menu with a homely and welcoming pub atmosphere.
Instead of sacrificing one to push the other, The Pack horse has embraced both a sense of community and a gourmet mentality to create an environment where dogs and muddy boots live harmoniously alongside thought-provoking cuisine.
Head Chef Luke Payne’s cooking combined with Front of House Emma Daniels’ superb approach to hosting makes for a killer combination.
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The White Swan, Fence (#7)
This Michelin Star winning pub may look like the typical ‘village boozer’ from its façade but venture inside and your opinion will rapidly change.
Chef Tom Parker has been deemed a ‘mischievous Genius’ for creating his norm-breaking and inquisitive cuisine as well as the pubs themed nights (keep an eye out for their Japanese night which is tipped by judges to be a sellout).
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Freemasons At Wiswell, Wiswell (#3)
The Freemasons At Wiswell continues a running theme of Gastro pubs taking the conventional and mixing it with the contemporary and pushes it to the edge. The sleepy village setting and timeless pub aesthetic juxtaposes Chef-Patron Steven Smiths bold and experimental menu.
When asked about the chef judges stated ‘Smith fuses locally sourced ingredients and his love of the classics with wild, sharp world flavours creating a delicious roster of food you have to experience to believe’.
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Parkers Arms, Newton-In-Bowland (#1)
Last but certainly not least, we come to the final entry on our list and the winner of Gastropub of the Year, Parkers Arms. Making the jump to first from last year's second place and described as ‘possibly the most idyllic pub’ on the list, the pubs new found title is thoroughly deserved.
Maintaining their traditional feel, you can expect ‘plates of food served with the intention of filling you up’ alongside local cask ales and a healthy wine list. The countryside pub was described as ‘catering equally to cheerful lunches or long, indulgent suppers.’
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Think there are any potential contenders for next year? Let us know on our socials.