Three Derbyshire pubs have been named in the prestigious Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list. The Pack Horse at Hayfield, run by chef owner Luke Payne and wife Emma, was named at number 19, making it their second year in a row in the top 20. The Duncombe Arms in Ashbourne was named at number 48 in the prestigious list.
The Bulls Head Holymoorside was crowned winner of the special One to Watch category, which recognises the up and comers’ judges expect to be on the list in the coming years. Run by chef patron Mark Aisthorpe, he took on the pub in 2016 and shot to fame on Great British Menu in 2022. Having worked for a number of Michelin starred restaurants including for names such as Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing before taking on the pub, Mark and his team use the best ingredients that are local and seasonal.
‘I cannot believe it,’ says Mark. ‘A big thank you to all my amazing staff and fantastic customers.’
The Top 50 Gastropubs list was announced at a special event at Lancashire’s Parker’s Arms, last year’s overall winner. Each year Estrella Damm's list, now in its 16th year, ranks the UK’s best gastropubs according to votes from more than 400 owners, food critics, and other industry experts - all of which means the list really is decided by the industry.
Ed Bedington, editor of the Morning Advertiser, founder of the awards and list said: ‘’Pubs are a beloved institution and part of the UK’s culture and this list of the most astounding and impressive food pubs in the country is wonderful to see.
‘Pubs serve so many roles to so many people and for operators like the ones on our list, to be able to offer amazing food and wonderful experiences, up there with some of the best in fine dining, is brilliant to see.’
To see the full list of winners across the UK visit top50gastropubs.com
