Good Food Guide 100 Best Pubs List

Imagine a crisp autumn afternoon, stepping into a cozy pub with a crackling fire, a perfectly pulled pint, and the promise of a Sunday roast that feels like a warm hug. The Good Food Guide 100 Best Pubs List is your golden ticket to exactly this kind of magic. It’s not just a list; it’s a curated adventure for anyone who loves great food, good company, and the unmistakable charm of a proper British pub. Whether you're a seasoned pub crawler or just looking for your next weekend treat, this list makes choosing the perfect spot as easy as ordering another round.

The purpose of this guide is simple: to cut through the noise and point you toward pubs that excel at both food and atmosphere. Unlike some rankings that focus only on gastronomy, the Good Food Guide champions places where the kitchen and the bar work in perfect harmony. The advantage? You avoid the disappointment of a soggy pie or a soulless chain. Instead, you get recommendations that have been vetted by experts—places where the fish and chips are crispy, the ale is local, and the service feels like you’re a regular from the first hello.

Let’s dive into a few examples that show why this list is so brilliant. Picture The Star at Harome in North Yorkshire, a thatched-roof gem where the menu changes with the seasons—think venison haunch with blackberry jus or a sticky toffee pudding that’s legendary. Or consider The Sportsman in Kent, a seaside pub that’s earned a Michelin star for turning simple ingredients like sloe gin and samphire into pure poetry. These aren’t just places to eat; they’re destinations. The list also includes hidden countryside spots—like a 16th-century inn in Suffolk with beams so low you’ll duck—proving that the best experiences often come in unassuming packages.

Looking for a creative twist? Use the list to plan a pub-crawl with a theme. Try a “Coastal Route” picking three seaside pubs from the list, tasting crab sandwiches and local cider along a cliffside walk. Or host a “Pub Olympics” with friends where you assign points for the best roast, the quirkiest decor, and the friendliest bartender—the list gives you a trustworthy starting line. Even better, use it as a gift: print the list, mark a pub near a friend’s birthday, and plan a surprise dinner. It’s an experience they’ll remember longer than any voucher.

100 Best Pubs 2025: Information for pubs | For Restaurants | The Good

Ready to try it? Start by visiting thegoodfoodguide.co.uk and searching for “100 Best Pubs.” Don’t just skim—focus on the details: look for descriptions that mention “wood-fired ovens,” “locally sourced meats,” or “cask ales from nearby breweries.” These are signs of a pub that takes pride in its craft. Next, check the “vibe” notes—some pubs are buzzy and family-friendly, others are quiet and romantic. Reserve a table, especially on weekends, because these spots are popular for good reason. And when you arrive, be bold: ask the staff for their personal favorite dish. They’ll often point you to a hidden gem on the menu.

Finally, remember that the list is a living document, updated annually to reflect the best in the business. That means each year brings new discoveries—like a forgotten village pub that suddenly wins hearts with its reinvention of classic pub grub. So treat it as a year-round to-do list, not a one-off read. Tick off a pub every few months, and you’ll build a collection of memories—foggy windows, laughter echoes, and meals that feed both body and soul. Cheers to that! 🍻