From London hotspots to country retreats, top culinary experts share the British pubs they believe are truly worth a visit.
There’s nowhere better to while away a warm, balmy spring afternoon than down the pub.. Pubs are a quintessentially British institution, and nobody does them quite like the UK.. One of the biggest events in the foodie calendar is fast approaching, as Pub in the Park makes its return to Marlow for its ninth year, championing everything British in food and drink.. Featuring an impressive line-up of the nation’s finest culinary talent, visitors can savour
outstanding food, superb cooking and a refreshing pint.. To honour the beloved British pub, some of the country’s top chefs revealed their favourite drinking establishments to the Express.. From capital hotspots to cherished regional treasures, the chefs know exactly where to track down a quality pint to enjoy beneath the spring sunshine.. So if you’re after a pub that’s earned a chef’s stamp of approval, here are the recommendations from the likes of James Martin
, Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt and culinary legend Raymond Blanc OBE for the finest pubs across the UK.. Legendary chef Raymond Blanc told us: “Of course there are many many wonderful pubs across the UK and I am proud to inspire the menu at Heartwood Inns.. Close to home, I like very much, The Devonshire in Soho run by my friend Ashley Palmer-Watts – always great food and brimming with conviviality.” Celebrity chef James revealed:
“Wonston Arms, run by husband and wife team, Matt and Lisa – wet lead pub with great food popup.. It has won Best Little Pub in Hampshire and UK several years now.” The Saturday Kitchen star and chef said: “Well that’s a difficult one….pubs are different things at different times….some for summer, some for winter.. An overall joy to visit is The Fox & Hounds in Hunsdon, Hertfordshire….is run by James and Bianca Rix and
the food is incredible.. It’s got a lovely beer garden for the good weather and cosy fires for the colder days….It’s the quintessential English village country pub that we don’t have enough of anymore.” Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch chef and presenter Simon picked two favourites: “Devonshire in Soho and Crown Posada in Newcastle.” Live fire and barbecue specialist and the brains behind the Bristol Fire School, Genevieve said: “That has to be Lost & Grounded
Brewers in Bristol.. They have an amazing taproom, it’s only open on Fridays & Saturdays and occasionally Sundays if its a really sunny day and, full disclosure, it’s owned by a really good friend of mine but their Keller Pills is absolutely banging, it’s my favourite beer and they made me a How to BBQ beer for my book launch!. “We sold those to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Research Charity in honour of my
mum, and we made so much money – over five grand.. So definitely Lost & Grounded Brewers in Bristol.” Adam said: “Favourite pub is The Highland Laddie in Leeds, which quite rightly won the best pub in the UK by the Good Food Guide recently.. The bar snacks, oysters and beer selection are all amazing, the place looks awesome and has a real vibe.. It’s next level!” Nathan Ritchie, aka Big Nath’s BBQ , told
the Express: “We are spoiled in Bristol, with loads of amazing pubs but one of my favourites is Small Bar on Kings Street, an amazing selection of beers and ciders, plus Wings Diner is based there (some of the best Korean fried chicken about).. Location is amazing for a bit of a pub crawl, Kings Street is great pub after great pub.. Also the Apple boat pub for all the cider (where Kins and I
had our first date).” Jack, son of culinary legend Heston Blumenthal and the brains behind Ginger Wings , said: “Going to be biased here, Hinds Head in Bray.. It’s a posh pub but its unmatched ribeye, chips and a crisp pint.” Brendon and Jaydon, the founders of family-run seasoning and sauce brand LumberJaxe , said: “Our favourite pub in the UK is undoubtedly The Fox Inn in Stourton.. It’s a good old country pub with
a great atmosphere and amazing pub food!” John , co-founder of Michelin star restaurant AngloThai and Great British Menu star, revealed: “It’s not strictly a pub but I like to visit Mondo Brewery & Taproom, which is tucked away in an inconspicuous area of my home neighbourhood of Battersea.. They have upwards of 15 beers on tap, with many of them brewed on premises.. “I’m such a fan of their beers that we have our
very own AngloThai lager brewed by Mondo for the London restaurant.” Award-winning food writer and cook Melissa told the Express: “My favourite pub would have to be The Watson’s General Telegraph down the road from me in Honor Oak, South East London.. It’s got lovely staff, a beautiful open outdoor space, amazing food and an incredible beer selection.. Plus their Sunday Roast is excellent with both porchetta and rotisserie chicken on the menu.. Everything you
need in a pub.” Hoppers Sri Lankan restaurant founder Karan said: “The Hound Chiswick for classic and The Heron off Edgware Road for the best Thai food.. Three Falcons (in London’s St John’s Wood) is also very good for Indian.” Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Atul said: “The Three Fishes by Nigel Haworth in Mitton in the beautiful Ribble Valley especially for its farm-to-fork approach.” Bestselling cookbook author and chef Thuy revealed: “Galvin Green Man (Chelmsford,
Essex) by Galvin brothers.” Great British Bake Off champion turned pub owner Candice shared: “Well I could think about this, but it’s definitely my own!. The Green Man Eversholt!. We’ve worked so hard to create something so special it can’t not be my favourite!!” TV presenter Chris shared: “My favourite pub in the UK is the Grey Horse in Sunbury on Thames.. My local for many many years and a place that feels like home.”
Pub in the Park returns to Higginson Park, Marlow from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, May 17.. Tickets are available to purchase now, starting from £47.. For more information, visit here.