The best pub in England for 2026 has been crowned

Each and every year, VisitEngland shines a light on the best of the country’s hospitality. Its Awards for Excellence exist to let people know where to find everything from finest hotels to the greatest tourist attractions to the best campsites, and to give the people who run those places their well-deserved dues. Of course, no discussion about English hospitality would be complete without mention of our beloved pubs. Naturally, one of the top accolades at VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence is Pub of the Year.  

For 2026, the grand prize went to The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest in the tiny village of Slaggyford, Northumberland (right on the border of Cumbria). 

First listed as a public house in the mid 1800’s, these days the Kirkstyle is a proudly food-forward pub. VisitEngland said: ‘With sustainability at the core and strong ties to the rural community, the pub pairs thoughtful cooking with a well-stocked bar and an extensive wine list to suit all palates and purses. A warm welcome awaits locals, visitors and four-legged friends alike.’

Every dish here is made up of produce sourced within a 50 mile radius and, since Northumberland is a prime spot for game shooting, that means a whole load of pheasant, grouse, pigeon and partridge. At the moment, the menu includes things like game terrine, pigeon pie with smoked bacon and onion, venison haunch and lamb loin. 

The Kirkstyle’s food is so good, it earned it a place in the coveted Michelin Guide. Trying it for yourself doesn’t have to break the bank. There’s a six course lunchtime tasting menu available from Thursday to Saturday, which will cost you £65, or a fixed two or three course menu which costs a reasonable £30 or £35 respectively. 

There is, of course, plenty of good booze to be had there, too. Choose a pint from the tap or one of over 350 different wines. 

Silver medal for Visit England’s Pub of the Year went to The Tickled Trout in Barlow, Derbyshire and bronze to The Tollemache Arms in Northamptonshire. 

ICYMI: This important Victorian building is one of the UK’s finest museums to visit in 2026.

Plus: 8 British restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide in May 2026. 

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