Not in London, Yorkshire or Cornwall - England's 3 'best' pubs named
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest in Northumberland is among the shortlist. (Image: The Kirkstyle Inn)Three pubs have been shortlisted for an award recognising the best boozers in the country - and none of them are in London, Yorkshire or Cornwall. Last Wednesday (April 15), VisitEngland announced the finalists for the tourism industry’s national Awards for Excellence.The official national tourism board for England says the awards have championed "the best in England’s tourism industry for more than 35 years and celebrate quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service". "Finalists represent the very highest standards across accessibility, accommodation, attractions, experiences, food and drink, and business events, showcasing the strength and diversity of English tourism."The organisation worked in collaboration with 21 local competitions across the nation, with 369 winners automatically submitted for national recognition.The Tickled Trout, Barlow, Derbyshire (Image: The Tickled Trout)Interior of the Tickled Trout (Image: The Tickled Trout)The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest (Image: The Kirkstyle Inn)Categories include things like Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, B&B and Guest House of the Year, and England's best pub.Three establishments are competing for the gold, with the winner set to be announced during a black-tie event at Aerospace Bristol on June 3.One of them is The Tollemache Arms, a 17th-century pub in Harrington, Northamptonshire, with its own orchard. Known as locally "The Tolly", the popular watering hole describes itself as having "timeless spirit and a modern soul"."Since taking the reins in 2015, we’ve poured our hearts into creating more than just a pub - we’ve built a warm, welcoming space where stories are shared, friendships are made, and everyone feels like a local," it website adds."Rooted in tradition but powered by passion, The Tolly blends classic British charm with genuine hospitality," it adds. "Whether you’re here for a quiet pint, a family meal, or a lively night out, you’ll always find good food, great company, and a place that feels like home."The team says it raised more than £40,000 via crowdfunding in 2024 for a major refurb, reflecting the passionate support of locals.In 2024, it took the crown as Great British Pub of the Year, with judges praising the "beautiful, thatched site" and use of "homegrown suppliers".The Tollemache Arms in Northamptonshire (Image: The Tollemache Arms)Also in the running is the Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, in the village of Slaggyford, Northumberland. Located near the border with Cumbria, the dog-friendly local sells itself as a "beautiful pub that offers luxury rooms, exceptional seasonal food, and a heartfelt celebration of local produce"."With sustainability at our core and strong ties to our rural community, we pair thoughtful cooking with a well-stocked bar and an extensive wine list to suit all palates and purses."One TripAdvisor review, written in March, said: "This fabulous pub combines a relaxed, convivial bar frequented by tourists and locals alike with stunning food."There is an excellent range of local beer and lager with a large range of excellent wines by the glass."Making up the trio of finalists is The Tickled Trout in Barlow, Derbyshire, which opened under its current guise in 2014 under chef/owner Chris Mapp.The pub restaurant "prides itself on serving great pub food alongside innovative specials using the highest quality artisan ingredients available"."The award winning gastro pub serves both fine wine and great local ales and combines a relaxing atmosphere with outstanding customer service. The team welcomes families and has a private dining room for small functions and private hire."One recent visitor said they were treated to "lovely warm welcome on arrival, a great wine list and an even better food menu".VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “These awards honour the very best businesses and individuals in tourism, who are the driving force in an industry that delivers growth to local economies across England. I thank them for their dedicated service, congratulate them on achieving finalist status and wish them every success.”There are 53 finalists across the 16 core categories, selected in a "rigorous judging process" by tourism industry experts, who will now compete in 16 core categories at this year’s awards.The winners will be revealed when the gongs are handed out in June.
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