The Unruly Pig regains title of UK's best gastropub

The East Anglian institution regained the number one spot having previously held it in 2022.

Last year’s number one The Parkers Arms in Lancashire, which played host to this year’s awards ceremony, held yesterday (22 January), was ranked at number seven on the list, with The Cornish Arms in Tavistock and The Mariners in Rock placed at numbers two and three respectively.

The Unruly Pig is owned by Brendan Padfield, who took on the pub following a 36-year career as a solicitor. However, within just 12 weeks of opening, a fire destroyed large parts of the building forcing it to close for six months. During this period changes were made to the structure and feel of the pub to make it more welcoming and accessible.

It entered the Estrella Damn Top 50 Gastropubs list in 2017 and also currently ranks at number 77 on Restaurant​’s own National Restaurant Awards Top 100 list.

Writing on The Unruly Pig’s Instagram page​​, Padfield said: “Life is full of surprises, but we really didn't see this one coming.

“Heartfelt thanks to everyone, your support has been key to our success and encourages our wonderful team to strive to achieve the best and keep Suffolk firmly visible on the UK map.”

Kevin Tickle’s Heft in Cumbria was named as this year’s Highest Climber, rising to number 11 having entered the list at number 43 last year.

Meanwhile, The Bridge Arms in Kent was this year’s Highest New Entry, entering the list at number 15.

Alongside the Top 50 list there were also three extra categories at this year’s awards, each designed to showcase some of the best pub talent across the UK.

The Bulls Head, in Holymooreside, Derbyshire, was named the One To Watch; while Adam Handling’s The Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor, Berkshire, was announced as the Estrella Damm Sustainable Pub of the Year.

Daniel Smith, chef-patron at The Bridge Arms and The Fordwich Arms, the latter of which ranked at number four on this year’s list, received the Chef of the Year trophy.

Yorkshire-based chef Andrew Pern was also given a special recognition award after bouncing back from intense hardship when his beloved site, The Star in Harome, burnt to the ground in 2021.

Pern managed to keep the business alive and relaunched the rebuilt operation a year later to great acclaim, claiming the number eight spot on this year’s list.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser​, which hosts the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs, said: “Pubs are a beloved institution and part of the UK’s culture, and this list of the most astounding and impressive food pubs in the country is wonderful to see.

“Pubs serve so many roles to so many people, and for operators like The Unruly Pig and all of our list, to be able to offer amazing food and wonderful experiences, up there with some of the best in fine dining, is brilliant to see.”