The finest pub fare
There are few finer British institutions than a characterful pub – and even better when they serve award-winning food.
Here are ten of our favourite venues that expertly combine the relaxed atmosphere of a much-loved local with quality food that has been recognised with multiple AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
4 AA Rosettes
The Hand & Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Located in the beautiful Georgian town of Marlow, Tom Kerridge’s The Hand & Flowers is all about brilliant ingredients cooked simply to let the flavours shine. The approach is robust and unpretentious, with many classic dishes updated with their own little twist.
3 AA Rosettes
The Hind's Head, Bray, Berkshire
Initially a hunting lodge, this characterful pub has been serving guests since the 1400s. Now owned by Heston Blumenthal, the award-winning menu showcases the venue’s historic lineage as well as Heston’s own famous imagination – the signature soft yolk Scotch egg is a must-try.
The Princess of Shoreditch, London EC2
The Princess certainly lives up to her dream of being the ‘best pub in Shoreditch’. The Head Chef is Great British Menu’s Ruth Hansom, who has developed a menu focused on British produce. The downstairs bar menu is à la carte while, upstairs, the dining room serves up 5- and 8-course tasting menus.
The Nut Tree Inn, Murcott, Oxfordshire
This family-owned country pub has put its village on the map over the last 15 years, having established reputation for exceptional food, beer and wine. Its roots are firmly in classic cooking techniques, where ingredients are treated with integrity to offer dishes that burst with flavour.
2 AA Rosettes
Y Polyn, Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire
Y Polyn is keen to avoid pretension, and the result is a warm and welcoming country pub complete with mismatching bare-wood tables and a wonderfully informal atmosphere. Almost everything served has been made on the premises, with saltmarsh lamb and Welsh beef the highlights of a well-balanced menu.
The Stables at The Bonnie Badger, Gullane, East Lothian
Owned by Tom and Michaela Kitchin, this coveted destination enjoys an enchanting seaside setting. Diners have several options here, all of which are driven by a ‘from nature to plate’ philosophy. Choose from the à la carte menu at 2 AA Rosette restaurant The Stables, or opt for pub classics at Broc Bar.
The Fox, Willian, Hertfordshire
This stylish gastro pub is home to an open-plan dining room and 25-seat conservatory, both of which make a delightful setting to enjoy the menu’s precisely crafted dishes. A bar and garden menu is also available, should the weather be in your favour.
The Kings Arms, Fleggburgh, Norfolk
The Kings Arms is a beautiful country pub, restaurant and B&B with a fabulous location in the Broads National Park. Much of the produce is locally sourced – the result is a stylish-yet-hearty menu that allows Norfolk’s finest ingredients to shine.
The Fuzzy Duck, Armscote, Warwickshire
Whether you’re after a pie and a pint or an elegant dinner occasion, The Fuzzy Duck’s seasonally inspired menu offers the best of both. Feast on beer battered fish and chips or sample the steak – a recent makeover to this upmarket gastro pub adds to the chic but relaxed feel.
