Ancoats gastropub named one of the best in the UK…again!

There’s nothing quite like a Great British pub—the comforting atmosphere, the warm welcome, and, of course, the outstanding food

This year, Manchester’s own Edinburgh Castle in Ancoats has once again been recognised among the country’s best, securing its place on the prestigious 2025 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.

Edinburgh Castle, Ancoats

The Top 50 Gastropubs list has been running since 2009, highlighting the best in the industry and celebrating the dedicated teams behind the UK’s finest pub dining experiences.

This year’s rankings were first revealed in alphabetical order in December before their final positions were announced at Monday night’s ceremony.

For Manchester, Edinburgh Castle remains the city’s sole representative on the prestigious list.

Tucked away on Blossom Street in Ancoats, this beloved gastropub has built a stellar reputation since its reopening in 2019 following a major transformation.

With a history dating back to 1811, it has become a favorite among locals and national critics alike, including renowned food writer Jay Rayner.

The menu continues to impress with elevated takes on British classics, including slow-cooked lamb shoulder, succulent pork chops, and their much-loved Sunday roasts.

The UK’s Best Gastropubs

Taking the coveted top spot this year is The Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, Suffolk, reaffirming its status as a heavyweight in the gastropub scene. Other notable entries include The Devonshire in Soho, which secured the second spot and was named Highest New Entry, while North Yorkshire’s The Star at Harome claimed third place.

The North West also put on a strong showing. The Parkers Arms, renowned for its exceptional pies, landed at number four.

Located in Newton-in-Bowland near Clitheroe, this pub previously topped the rankings in 2023 and has been steadily climbing since first appearing in 2017.

Further south in the Peak District, The Pack Horse in Hayfield was also recognised, coming in at number 18. Helmed by Luke Payne and Emma Daniels, the pub has evolved over the years, refining its menu to prioritise high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Celebrating the industry’s best

Alongside the Top 50 list, several special awards were handed out, acknowledging individual excellence across the industry. This year’s One to Watch award went to The White Hart in Fyfield, while Chef of the Year and Sustainable Pub of the Year were also recognised. The Devonshire in Soho made waves not only by landing in second place but also being named the Highest New Entry.

Manchester’s amazing food scene

The continued recognition of Edinburgh Castle in these prestigious rankings highlights Manchester’s growing influence in the UK’s gastropub scene. With its deep-rooted history, exceptional food, and commitment to quality, the Ancoats venue remains a must-visit destination for food lovers near and far.

For those looking to explore the very best in pub dining, the full list of the 2025 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs offers a roadmap to some of the finest culinary experiences the UK has to offer.

You can check out the full list by clicking here