Nine fantastic Yorkshire gastropubs have been named in this year’s Estrella Damm’s UK top 100. The beer brand sifts through the country’s best eateries in order to find the must-visit destination and six of Yorkshire’s best have ranked in 2024’s top 100. Included in the list are some of Yorkshire’s Michelin starred restaurants.
The prestigious list has been sponsored by Estrella Damm list seven of the 15 years it has run, and collated votes from pub owners, food critics and industry experts in order to create the top list.
Sedbergh, did also making it to 39th place, and is located in the Yorkshire Dales, but is classed as Cumbria. It is run by James Ratcliffe and wife and Nina Matsunaga.
The Star Inn, Harome (#8)
The Star Inn at Harome, is the first Yorkshire spot coming in 8th place. It’s ancient thatched roof makes it the most beautiful conutry pub to visit. The owner and Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern has held a place on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list since its inception over a decade ago.
The awards names menu highlights saying: “highlights have included Rievaulx shot partridge with juniper-creamed Brussel sprouts, pine-smoked Alsace bacon, smoked beets and clementine with Port wine juices; and baked sherried fig frangipane with toasted marzipan, nibbled almost brittle, candied clementine and figgy toffee ice cream.”
The Angel at Hetton (#13)
Britain’s first-ever gastropub, The Angel at Hetton, run by Michelin star chef, Micahel Wignall. The Dales pub was awarded a Michelin star back and listed in the guide back in 2020.
Writing about the pub, they said: “The glorious restaurant menu has featured dishes including Loire valley rabbit loin and merguez, salsify, trompette and poached pear to start.
“Mains have included Monkfish, quail, venison and garden-inspired vegetarian options including Jersey potatoes, parsnip, king oyster mushroom and lovage.
“Desserts are just as sumptuous, with Tahitian Vanilla cheesecake with salted granola, buttermilk, roasted beetroot puree and yogurt; or how about caramel tart with poached pear, frozen custard and condensed milk ganache.”
Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax (#17)
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Shibden Hall, the pub is steeped in history as it was formerly owned by Anne Lister’s lover. This award-winning gastropub serves up tasty delights that are sure to please all.
Highlights of the menu according to Estrella awards are: “Mains have consisted of halibut loin with Romanesco, black pudding, apple, radish, potatoes confit in crustacean oil and bisque sauce; Waterford beef loin, Jacob’s Ladder, celeriac, malt and onions; and salt-baked celeriac with hen of the woods, baron bigod, hispi cabbage and burnt apple.”
Read More: 11 Of The Prettiest Country Pubs To Cosy Up In Yorkshire
The Pipe & Glass (#28)
James and Kate Mackenzie’s East Yorkshire’s top spot for food in the village of South Dalton, which sits in the Yorkshire Wolds is found in 28th place – and another Michelin star restaurant.
Estrella Damm awards have said that the highlights are: “Menu highlights have included slow-cooked crispy shoulder of lamb with mutton and kidney faggot, lamb belly boulangere, butternut squash, redcurrants and barley; Yorkshire game and pistachio terrine with pickled pear, raisins, mulled wine jelly, pistachio crisps and game ‘tea’; and braised onion with mushroom and Cheddar ‘rarebit’ with leeks, smoked baby onions, hazelnuts and soubise cream.”
The Abbey Inn, Byland (#38)
The Abbey Inn, Byland, a stunning gastropub overlooking the beautiful Byland Abbey in the heart of the North York Moors – which just so happens to be at the helm of Michelin-starred chef, Tommy Banks. You may know Banks already from York‘s Michelin-star restaurant, Roots, or famous sister site, The Black Swan at Oldstead.
Writing about the new feature in the Estrella Damm they wrote: “The luxury 70-cover inn serves a seasonal menu created by head chef Charlie Smith, and chef director Tommy Banks, alongside a curated drinks list from real ales to seasonal cocktails.
“Ingredients for the seasonal menu that champions classic, British food, are sourced from the Banks family farm and restaurant garden. Located in nearby Oldstead its farm has a two-acre kitchen garden which has abundant seasonal produce.”
The Durham Ox, Crayke (#51)
The three hundred years old pub is family owned by the Ibbotsons since 199 and is a traditional pub complete with flag stone floors, exposed beams, oak panelling and roaring fires in winter.
Estrella Damm wrote that: “The a la Carte menu celebrates a fabulous array of locally sourced meats, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood. As the seasons change so do the menus to reflect the wealth of local produce for which this area is renowned. The pub also offers private dining upstairs in the main pub as well as in its Ox Barn that seats up to 80 for larger events.”
The Plough, Wombleton (#67)
The Plough has been dispensing refreshments to weary travellers since 1498 and continues to do so today in the same way it did all those years ago, with the best of local produce and the warmest of Yorkshire welcomes. Award winning restaurateurs Richard and Lindsey Johns returned to the pub sector with the opening of The Plough in Wombleton in 2023.
Estrella Damm wrote: “The food offering is the cornerstone of what the pub is all about, taking classic dishes and giving them their own modern interpretation. The focus is on using Yorkshire produce and curating dishes in a style that chef Richard Johns has crafted over nearly 20 years.”
The Black Swan at Oldstead (#75)
The Black Swan in the North York Moors, is known for its character with its exposed beams, flagged floors, and open fire. They use food produced from their farm, garden, and local hedgerows. Preservation techniques, dishes with bold contrasts, plenty of depth, and very little waste are what customers can expect when visiting.
Estrella Damm highlighted dishes you’d expect to find, which included: “Dishes you’re likely to find on the tasting menu include: cod with cauliflower parsley; crapaudine beetroot slow cooked in beef fat; scallop with fermented celeriac; and venison and smoked slow.”
The Dawnay Arms, Newton on Ouse (#81)
The Dawnay Arms, built in 1779, is situated in the picturesque village of Newton on Ouse, near York, and close to the gates of Beningbrough Hall.
Estrella Damm wrote: “The pub is owned by chef Martel Smith and his wife Kerry, a former Hilton restaurant bar manager, who purchased the pub in May 2007. The pub had been closed for 18 months and was in need of a lot of TLC before reopening.
“Dishes on the menu include Venison Meatballs with Tomato and Parmesan, locally reared Sirloin Steak, Steamed ‘Hogget’ lamb and kidney pie, local roe Deer burger and Goats Cheese Dumplings.”
Check out the full list of the 9 Yorkshire venues in the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs List below:
- 8 – The Star Inn at Harome
- 13 – The Angel at Hetton
- 17 – Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax
- 28 – The Pipe and Glass, South Dalton
- 38 – The Abbey Inn, Byland
- 51- The Durham Ox, Crayke
- 67 – The Plough, Wombleton
- 75 – The Black Swan at Oldstead
- 81 – The Dawnay Arms, Newton on Ouse
Read More: The Yorkshireman’s Must-Visit Restaurants In Yorkshire For 2024
