Since the term ‘gastropub’ was first coined in the early 1990s the UK has become littered with pubs serving both impeccable pints and outrageously good grub. And here at Time Out we’ve eaten in a lot of them. From joints in Cumbria to Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands to south Wales, Time Out staff have clubbed together to determine which British gastropub reigns supreme right now.
In our brand new ranking, the gastropub that we have declared the greatest of them all is... The Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire. While it serves up a whole variety of options, this joint is particularly known for its legendary award-winning pies, which range from curried mutton to coronation cod.
Time Out’s professional eater Kelly Bishop said: ‘This country inn is set in the jaw-dropping Forest of Bowland in Lancashire which looks like something from Lord of the Rings. Its roaring fire, impeccable wine list and real Lancashire approach to service will warm your cockles.’
In second place, it was The Pack Horse in Hayfield, Derbyshire. Our food critic called it her favourite place for a New Year’s Day walk and gave special shoutouts to its triple-cooked chips and salted caramel custard tart. Suffolk’s The Unruly Pig placed third, which was also named the nation’s best foodie pub in Estrella Damm Best Gastropubs list 2025.
Want even more where that came from? Feast your eyes on our full ranking of the UK’s best gastropubs here. And have a look at the finest gastros in London here.
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