A gastropub in the heart of the Peak District has just been named the best boozer in the whole of England. The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow, Derbyshire, was recognised at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last week, receiving a gold medal in the ‘pub of the year’ category.
The pub is no stranger to high praise, having been included in last year’s Michelin guide and in Estrella Dam’s 2023 list of the UK’s top 50 gastropubs.
Led by chef Luke Hawkins, The Blind Bull places emphasis on seasonal, local produce, with all ingredients sourced either from its own garden or from within ten miles of the kitchen. It boasts a no-fuss, no-frills experience and prides itself on providing a cosy home away from home for guests.
Set within a twelfth-century building (the UK’s fifth oldest public house), The Blind Bull was formerly known as Ye Old Bull’s Head but it fell into disrepair after being vacated in 2007. Owner Raab Dykstra-McCarthy reopened the pub in 2020 following a massive two-year renovation – clearly to great effect.
Responding to the win on Instagram, the pub said: ‘For a small, independently owned pub in a tiny village in the heart of the glorious Peak District to be recognised nationally, after being open less than three years, is just such an incredible feeling and rather unbelievable.
‘Full credit to our wonderful team who are the heart and soul of The Blind Bull and make it what it is.’
The silver award for pub of the year was given to The Shoe in Hampshire and bronze to The Duncombe Arms in Staffordshire. Other big awards of the night included best large hotel of the year, which went to Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, and best large attraction of the year, which was awarded to the Warner Bros Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter in London.
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