The North East’s vibrant hospitality scene is celebrating a major national accolade today, as five local venues have been officially named among the “100 Best Pubs in Britain” for 2026. The prestigious list, compiled by the renowned Good Food Guide in partnership with Timothy Taylor’s, highlights the very best establishments that champion high-quality food, exceptional beer, and a deep connection to their local communities.
Leading the charge for the region is Newcastle’s own The Broad Chare, situated on the Quayside, which secured an impressive 20th place on the national list. Already a firm favourite with locals and a previous award-winner in the gastropub category, the venue further cemented its reputation earlier this year by earning a spot in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for 2027.
While Newcastle provided a top-20 entry, the rolling hills of Northumberland proved to be a powerhouse for culinary excellence, with four county pubs earning a spot in the top 100. The Rat Inn at Anick ranked at number 31, continuing its successful run as a highly regarded gastropub. Further down the list, The Feathers Inn at Hedley on the Hill—a venue praised by local celebrities for its standout festive menus—claimed the 64th spot.
Rounding out the regional success, the “pub of the year” winner The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman’s Rest in Slaggyford was ranked 65th, while The Ship Inn at Low Newton-by-the-Sea, another former “pub of the year” recipient, took 71st place.
The top honour in the UK went to The Queens Arms in Eccles, Greater Manchester. The historic venue, known as the world’s oldest passenger railway pub, was commended by judges for its innovative fusion of a traditional Victorian interior with a Japanese “izakaya” dining concept.
Adam Hyman, owner of the Good Food Guide, praised the winning venues for their resilience and commitment to quality in a challenging economic climate. “While our industry continues to adapt to the new norm of what running a hospitality business looks like in Britain, our ‘best pubs’ list once again shows that some of the best food and hospitality can be found in pubs,” he said.
Louise McLaughlin, marketing director at Timothy Taylor’s, added that the list highlights the essential role pubs play in British culture. “These are the kinds of pubs Timothy Taylor’s is proud to champion,” she noted. “They offer warm hospitality, quality food and drink, character, and a genuine connection to local communities.”
The 2026 list, which is only in its second year of publication, features a diverse range of establishments, from community-saved local boozers to high-profile celebrity haunts. For those looking to tour the award-winning venues, the full list of the 100 Best Pubs in Britain is now available on the Good Food Guide website.
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