Six fantastic Yorkshire gastropubs have been named in this year’s Estrella Damm UK Top 50 Gastropubs. The prestigious list, now in its 16th year and sponsored by Estrella Damm for eight of them, celebrates the finest pub dining experiences in the country. It is compiled through votes from pub owners, food critics, and industry experts, making it a true benchmark for excellence.
Six of Yorkshire’s best pubs feature in the 2024 list, including some of the region’s Michelin-starred restaurants. One standout is The Abbey Inn, Byland, which earned the additional title of Estrella Damm’s Sustainable Pub of the Year. The pub sources ingredients from its own regenerative farm, located nearby. The farm raises grass-fed Dexter cattle, Herdwick sheep, and rare-breed pigs, alongside field-scale crops and a three-acre restaurant garden. Seasonal produce is also foraged from local hedgerows to create exceptional dishes.
The Black Bull in Sedbergh also made the cut, securing 26th place. Though located in the Yorkshire Dales, it is classed as Cumbria. Run by James Ratcliffe and Nina Matsunaga, it is known for its creative and locally sourced menus.
Yorkshire continues to shine as a top destination for gastropubs, with these establishments offering both sustainability and culinary excellence.
The Star Inn, Harome (#3)
Up five places from last year, The Star Inn has taken bronze. Its ancient thatched roof makes it one of the most beautiful country pubs 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 Angel at Hetton (#15)
Down two places from last year, Britain’s first-ever gastropub, The Angel at Hetton, is run by Michelin-starred chef Michael Wignall. The Dales pub was awarded a Michelin star and listed in the guide back in 2020.
Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax (#21)
Down from 17th place, this pub is just a stone’s throw from the famous Shibden Hall. Steeped in history, it was formerly owned by Anne Lister’s lover. This award-winning gastropub serves up tasty delights that are sure to please all.
The Abbey Inn, Byland (#27)
Up 11 places, The Abbey Inn, Byland, is a stunning gastropub overlooking the beautiful Byland Abbey in the heart of the North York Moors. It is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks, also known for York’s Michelin-starred restaurant Roots and The Black Swan at Oldstead.
The Pipe & Glass (#28)
Located in our neck of the woods, and holding steady in the same place as last year, James and Kate Mackenzie’s East Yorkshire gem in the village of South Dalton sits proudly in 28th place. This Michelin-starred restaurant is a top spot for food in the Yorkshire Wolds.
The Durham Ox, Crayke (#42)
Making its way into the top 50 this year, this 300-year-old pub has been family-owned by the Ibbotsons since 1999. It features a traditional charm with flagstone floors, exposed beams, oak panelling, and roaring fires in winter.
You can check the full list of Estrella Damm UK Top 100 Gastropubs here.
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