The UK’s top 50 gastropubs have been named, and the North West has shone again

Another year, another stunning victory for pubs around the North West, as our region holds its own yet again on the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list.

The Estrella Damm pub guide awards, now in their 12th year, celebrate the best food-driven pubs around the country.

The 50 front-runners were announced last year but the pubs’ rankings were only revealed at a ceremony in London this week.

And for another year, Greater Manchester and the surrounding North West region has nabbed plenty of room on the Top 50 Gastropubs list.

The Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats, which stormed onto the list for the first time last year, has climbed even higher into 16th place.

The pub’s kitchen is currently closed for a refurb as it readies to welcome a new head chef, following the departure of award-winning Shaun Moffatt last year.

The Edinburgh Castle said of the accolade: “We are all extremely proud of this, and although the kitchen is closed this month for a refurbishment, we have a new kitchen team all raring to go with some fantastic new menus that we can’t wait to share!

“Thank you to all our wonderful guests, our dedicated team past and present who have helped us get here – and of course Top 50 Gastropubs for including us.

“Congratulations to the other 49 too, we can’t believe what esteemed company we are in and you all completely deserve it. 2025 is going to be a big year!

“Now, who’s popping in for a celebratory pint?”

Also on the Top 50 Gastropubs list elsewhere in the North West was, once again, the Michelin-recommended The Pack Horse in Hayfield.

Just on the very outskirts of the region where Greater Manchester nudges the Peak District, this beautiful country pub quietly serves a fantastic pre-hike breakfast as well as a seasonal evening menu of modern British food.

Chef and owner Luke Payne said: “Four years in the top 50, three years in the top 20.

“It means so much to us to have the love and respect of our peers, fantastic business operators and beautiful people who continue to puts us among such esteemed company, it is an honour and a privilege, and we love you all.

“This consistency is a testament to our incredibly hard working team who continue to weather the storm of the hospitality industry with vigour and laughter every single day; our tireless, incredible suppliers, and of course our guests, who ultimately give us purpose.

“It is a personal aim of mine to visit as many of these incredible gastropubs over the coming year, your support means the world.”

The Parkers Arms up in Newton-in-Bowland in Lancashire, previously a pub that took the top spot on the list, made it in again in fourth place.

It’s particularly well-known for its pies but at this lovely countryside spot you really can’t go far wrong.

Also making it into the top 50 in Lancashire were The White Swan at Fence, and the Three Fishes in Whalley.

Now that’s an achievement worth raising a pint to.

Read more

• The best restaurants and bars named at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards
• The Manchester cafe serving viral Dubai pistachio chocolate, smores platters, chocolate fondue and more
• Hello Oriental opens new ‘seriously affordable’ Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre

Featured image: The Manc Group