The country’s best boozer has been crowned today after beating out some fierce competition from across the country.
The Highland Laddie in Leeds has emerged victorious after the century-old pub was announced the best spot in the UK by the Good Food Guide.
But it wasn’t the only venue left beaming with joy after making the illustrious list, with 12 pubs across London also making the cut.
And it wasn’t just watering holes in the city who were honoured either, with countryside taverns and celebrity hotspots being named among Britain’s best .
Even, the Red Lion located as far afield as the Isle of Wight was among the top 100, with the nation’s first gastro pub also landing in the guide.
But the burning question for punters remains… has your local made it to the top 20?
1. The Highland Laddie – Leeds
The Highland Laddie, a beautiful historic establishment, is a relative newbie, having opened back in April this year
While having only reopened its doors once again in April, the Highland Laddie is a century old pub described itself as a ‘drinkers pub with a dining room’.
Quaint and cosy, the tavern prides itself on offering four local cask ales on draft as well as popular drinks such as Guinness.
Following their win, the delighted owners took to Instagram saying how they felt ‘over the moon’ to have bagged the number one spot in the country.
‘[We] ant to say a huge, huge thanks to the teams and all the work they’ve put in to achieving this, to everybody who nominated us, and to everybody who comes down and makes The Laddie the proper local, community pub that we set out to create when it was just a twinkle in our eye this time last year,’ they wrote.
The guide’s editor Chloë Hamilton, called The Highland as a ‘city centre slam dunk’ when finding the country’s perfect pub.
2. The Kinneuchar Inn – Fife
Coming in second place is a 17th-century pub and restaurant which has a beautiful intimate setting.
The gastro pub has previously won many awards, and was named Scotland’s Best Local Restaurant in 2023.
The venue is renowned not only for its tasty Sunday roasts, but its family atmosphere as well as its picturesque views of the Stourbridge Canal basin.
The establishment was also recently renovated, yet still straddles a fine balance between modern and welcoming with its wood-burning stove and adaptive lighting.
3. The Merry Harriers – Surrey
Taking the third spot, The Merry Harriers has origins dating back to the 16th century
In the third position is a venue which has already been praised by the Good Food Guide, ranking among the best restaurants for roasts in the country.
Dating back to the 16th century, The Merry Harriers is a traditional, welcoming village inn is steeped in history, with old oak beams and a fireplace.
It boasts a menu which changes daily based on what is produced by its own farm and is inspired by great British classics.
The bar serves award-winning local ales, an innovative cocktail list as well as a selection carefully curated wines which celebrate local wineries from classic regions throughout the globe.
4. The Beckford Arms – Wiltshire
Established in 1740, The Beckford Arms is an excellent country pub
Just missing out on a spot in the top three is the Witlshire-based venue, the Beckford Arms which describes itself as a ‘traditional yet stylish country inn’.
The dog friendly boozer was first established all the way back in 1740, while continuing to offer a wide-ranging menu.
Food items are also largely locally sourced, with meat often being purchased from local farms and fish coming from the Cornish Coast.
The pub, which is also a hotel, has also been praised for its fast and friendly service as well as its extensive wine list.
5. The Radnor Arms – Kent
The Victorian pub located Kent has attracted visitors from across the country with its ‘proper food and proper beer’
The recently renovated Radnor Arms has managed to squeeze its way into the top five best watering holes in the UK.
The Victorian pub located Kent has attracted visitors from across the country with its ‘proper food and proper beer’.
Yet, despite ranking so high in the exclusive pub guide, the boozer continues to hold its title of ‘the locals’ local’ nearest to its heart.
In 2019, the establishment has been taken over by owner Josh De Haan and the Pickled Egg Pub Company in 2019.
They transformed it into a traditional pub which is now considered one of the South East’s most talked-about dining destinations.
Josh said: ‘This recognition means a great deal – not just for The Radnor Arms, but for Folkestone itself.
‘I’m hugely proud of our team and grateful to our customers for their continued.’
6. Greyhound Inn, Pettistree – Suffolk
The Greyhound Inn is the oldest pub in the Suffolk area, with its origins dating all the way back to the 15th century
Bagging the spot of sixth best water hole in the UK one of Suffolk’s oldest pubs – The Greyhound Inn.
And historians believe the old-school tavern, which dates all the way back to the 15th century, once even served as a guildhall, according to The Sun.
Similarly to other pubs which feature on the Good Food Guide’s illustrious list, it offers local cask beer and a menu which changes on a weekly basis.
7. The Pelican – London
The Pelican is not only the highest ranked London watering hole on the Good Food Guide, but it also has visitors who regularly appear on stage or on your TV
Edging its way into the top ten is a celebrity haunt nestled in west London – the Pelican.
The pub is not only the highest ranked London watering hole on the Good Food Guide, but it also has visitors who regularly appear on stage or on your TV.
The likes of Dua Lipa, Olivia Wilde and even members of the royal family such as Princess Eugenie have walked through its doors.
8. The Abbey Inn – North Yorkshire
Located in Yorkshire, The Abbey Inn has views which overlook the famed ruins of the Byland Abbey
Nestled in the north of England is the 19th century Abbey Inn which has comfortably landed within the UKs top ten pubs.
Located in Yorkshire, the cosy country pub has views which overlook the famed ruins of the Byland Abbey.
But, it could be argued to a certain degree that the establishment was destined for greatness having been opened by ‘The Great British Menu’ winner Tommy Banks in 2023.
9. Inn at The Sticks – Carmarthenshire
Elsewhere in the rolling hills of West Wales is 18th century pub Inn at The Sticks.
The Carmarthenshire based pub offers a selection of great wines, Welsh tapas and craft beers.
But a spot in the Good Food Guide’s Top 100 list is only one of several achievements this watering hole has been bestowed.
The 2024 Best Local Restaurant in Wales as well as landing on the Guardian’s 20 best food breaks for the autumn.
10. The Pack Horse – Hayfield, Derbyshire
Elsewhere in Derbyshire, the Pack Horse made its way into the top ten boasting a cosy interior and its modern spin on classic pub food.
The watering hole proudly welcomes farmers and their four-legged furry friends alike to celebrate their ‘great food and great beer’.
Similarly to other establishments who managed to make the list the pub also offered locally sourced food – but customers may have to fight it out for a seat at one of nine tables.
11. The Eagle – London
Located in bustling Farringdon, Britain’s first gastro pub – The Eagle – has been in operation for over three decades
Another London watering hole that has made it to the top 20 of the Good Food Guide’s best pub is The Eagle.
Located in bustling Farringdon, Britain’s first gastro pub has been in operation for over three decades.
Since it first welcomed customers in 1001, the tavern has provided great value dining with quality produce that was only previously found in lavish restaurants
12. Barrington Boar – Somerset
Not only does it offer a modern dining experience, the Barrington Boar’s menu has strong links to the region’s culinary history
Elsewhere in Somerset, is an award-winning restaurant and pub named the Barrington Boar.
Not only does it offer a modern dining experience, its menu has strong links to the region’s culinary history,.
Again, much like others who have made the competitive list, its kitchen provides tasty meals by using locally sourced ingredients from local brewers, cheesemongers and farmers.
13. The Sun Inn – Dedham, Essex
Situated in the heart of Constable Country and the Dedham Vale, The Sun Inn has stunning views as well as seasonal menu customers can enjoy next to cosy fire
Making its way into the top 20 of Britain’s best pubs is the dog friendly watering hole, The Sun Inn.
Situated in the heart of Constable Country and the Dedham Vale, the pub has stunning views as well as seasonal menu customers can enjoy next to cosy fire.
The owners took to Instagram to say they were ‘absolutely thrilled’ to have made it so high on the list.
‘A huge thank you to everyone who voted and shared their feedback — your support is amazing and makes our team immensely proud,’ they added.
14. The Kerfield Arms – London
Located in the Camberwell area of London, The Kerfield arms is fairly new but has quickly gained a reputation for being among the best gastro pubs in the capital city
Elsewhere, another London pub has also risen its way up the best British pubs list.
Located in the Camberwell area of London, The Kerfield arms is fairly new but has quickly gained a reputation for being among the best gastro pubs in the capital city.
Although the business itself is relatively new, the building dates all the way back to the 19th century.
15. The Broad Chare – Newcastle
The Broad Chare proudly celebrates being a ‘proper pub’ with ‘proper beer’ and ‘proper food’
The Broad Chare proudly celebrates being a ‘proper pub’ with ‘proper beer’ and ‘proper food’.
After opening its doors in 2011, the establishment has not only been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their ‘good quality, good-value cooking’.
And it didn’t only make this year’s Good Food Guide list either, having also bagged The Reader’s Choice Award.
16. Church House Inn, Devon
Elsewhere in southern England, is the Church House Inn – a pub whose roots date back to the 14th century
Elsewhere in southern England, is the Church House Inn – a pub whose roots date back to the 14th century.
The traditional pub which offers ‘real ale’ and locally sourced produce described itself as serving ‘honest food, fine wine and local ales.
Reacting to their achievement of landing on the Good Food Guide, the owners said it ‘marks a huge personal achievement’.
‘[And] one that acknowledges the hard work and dedication put forward by every staff member,’ they added.
‘Community is in the heart of what we do here, and we hope to continue to open our door to anyone that needs a warm fire, a cold pint and a memorable meal.’
17. The Killingworth Castle, Oxfordshire
Situated in the rolling countryside of Wootton, the Killingworth Castle is only a stone’s throw away from Blenheim Palace
Situated in the rolling countryside of Wootton, the Killingworth Castle is only a stone’s throw away from Blenheim Palace.
A 17th coaching inn, the watering hole also boasts eight luxury en-suite rooms as well as seasonal, wide and organic ingredients from the Cotswolds.
Of their win, they said: ‘We’re all buzzing and so thankful to our brilliant team and customers that support us.
‘Hospitality has had it pretty tough so this recent spate of awards has helped us soar up again. Thanks so much to our fab punters, wouldn’t be here without you.’
18. The Felin Fach Griffin, Powys
Located in among some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes in the picturesque countryside of mid Wales is The Felin Fach Griffin
Located in among some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes in the picturesque countryside of mid Wales is The Felin Fach Griffin.
Firmly landing itself within the top 20 of the Good Food Guide’s best pubs of 2025, the Welsh borders pub boasts dishes made from cheeses sourced from world renowned dairies as well as locally sourced beef, lamb and game.
And its not only the guide singing the pub ‘s praises, with the establishment receiving an average of 4.3 stars out of five from 713 TripAdvisor reviews.
19. The Gunton Arms, Norfolk
Elsewhere on the Norfolk coast, is the Gunton Arms located on a thousand acre deer park dating back to the eighteenth century.
Similarly to the several other quality watering holes named on the list, the chef at this establishment is proud of cooking with local sourced ingredients, which icludes venison from the surrounding deer park.
20. The Plough, Rye, East Sussex
The Plough Rye’s menu is mainly made up of British food which is also locally sourced, and to top it off – it changes every day
Edging its way into the top 20, is the Plough Rye located in the Essex countryside.
Their menu is mainly made up of British food which is also locally sourced, and to top it off – it changes every day.
On their Instagram page, they proudly showed themselves adding a sticker to the window declaring their place on this year’s exclusive pub list.
