An historic inn near York has been named among Britain’s best gastropubs.
The Alice Hawthorn in Nun Monkton is on the list of top 100 gastropubs, released today by food guide publishers William Reed.
And it narrowly missed out on the Estrella Damm Top 50 – although one North Yorkshire pub did make that list.
The Top 100 is voted for by foodies and hospitality experts, with pub owners, food writers and top chefs among the judges.
The Alice made it to number 52 in the list.
“Simple ingredients turned into something wonderful is the mantra at the Alice, a 200-year-old pub tucked away in the Yorkshire countryside at the hub of a medieval village that boasts England’s tallest maypole,” says the citation.
Although Grade II listed, the Alice has been given a sensitive modernisation “to create a bar and restaurant and Scandinavian-style letting rooms set around a beer garden planted with roses.
“Chef John Topham has created a fresh, seasonal menu based on local ingredients but with a somewhat exotic twist.”
The guide gives special mention to Alice starters like potted wild rabbit with Victoria plum pickle and wild mushrooms on a toasted brioche topped with confit egg yolk and watercress.
Mains mentioned include slow-braised beef cheek with aligoté potato (a kind of cheesy mash).
“And the extensive wine list includes champagnes, dessert wines, ports and a sparkling number made in Nun Monkton itself,” the judges say.
Meanwhile, a rural Dales pub makes it into the top 10 gastropubs.
The Angel at Hetton, north of Skipton – which some call “the original gastropub” – is at number six.
It has one Michelin star, awarded “in 2019, just 12 months after Michael Wignall took over the venue”.
Read the full list here.
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