From the best London pub food to hidden gems across the UK, celebrity chefs share their personal favourite pubs – including Raymond Blanc OBE and James Martin
There’s no finer way to spend a balmy, sun-drenched spring afternoon than at your local. The pub is quintessentially British, and nobody does it quite like the UK. One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the foodie calendar is nearly upon us – Pub in the Park – returning to Marlow for its ninth consecutive year, raising a glass to everything Great Britain has to offer in terms of food and drink.
Boasting an impressive roster of the finest culinary talent these shores have to offer, visitors can savour outstanding cuisine, exceptional cooking demonstrations, and a refreshing pint. In honour of the great British pub, some of the country’s most celebrated chefs revealed their favourite watering holes to the Express.
From sought-after London destinations to cherished regional treasures, these culinary experts certainly know where to find a decent pint to enjoy beneath the spring sunshine. So if you’re on the hunt for a pub with genuine chef credentials, look no further than the recommendations from the likes of James Martin, Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt, and culinary legend Raymond Blanc OBE.
Raymond Blanc OBE
Renowned chef Raymond Blanc shared with us: “Of course there are many many wonderful pubs across the UK and I am proud to inspire the menu at Heartwood Inns. Close to home, I like very much, The Devonshire in Soho run by my friend Ashley Palmer-Watts – always great food and brimming with conviviality.”
John Chantarasak
John, co-founder of Michelin-starred establishment AngloThai and Great British Menu personality, explained: “It’s not strictly a pub but I like to visit Mondo Brewery & Taproom, which is tucked away in an inconspicuous area of my home neighbourhood of Battersea. They have upwards of 15 beers on tap, with many of them brewed on premises.
“I’m such a fan of their beers that we have our very own AngloThai lager brewed by Mondo for the London restaurant.”
Melissa Thompson
Award-winning food writer and cook Melissa revealed to the Express: “My favourite pub would have to be The Watson’s General Telegraph down the road from me in Honor Oak, South East London. It’s got lovely staff, a beautiful open outdoor space, amazing food and an incredible beer selection. Plus their Sunday Roast is excellent with both porchetta and rotisserie chicken on the menu. Everything you need in a pub.”
Karan Gokani
Karan, the creative force behind Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers, recommended: “The Hound Chiswick for classic and The Heron off Edgware Road for the best Thai food. Three Falcons (in London’s St John’s Wood) is also very good for Indian.”
Simon Rimmer
Simon, chef and presenter of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, highlighted two establishments: “Devonshire in Soho and Crown Posada in Newcastle.”
Chris Bavin
TV presenter Chris shared: “My favourite pub in the UK is the Grey Horse in Sunbury on Thames. My local for many many years and a place that feels like home.”
Genevieve Taylor
Live fire and BBQ authority and founder of the Bristol Fire School, Genevieve said: “That has to be Lost & Grounded Brewers in Bristol. They have an amazing taproom, it’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays and occasionally Sundays if its a really sunny day and, full disclosure, it’s owned by a really good friend of mine but their Keller Pills is absolutely banging, it’s my favourite beer and they made me a How to BBQ beer for my book launch!
“We sold those to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Research Charity in honour of my mum, and we made so much money – over five grand. So definitely Lost & Grounded Brewers in Bristol.”, reports the Express.
Adam Purnell aka Shropshire Lad
Adam commented: “Favourite pub is The Highland Laddie in Leeds, which quite rightly won the best pub in the UK by the Good Food Guide recently. The bar snacks, oysters and beer selection are all amazing, the place looks awesome and has a real vibe. It’s next level!”
Big Nath’s BBQ
Nathan Ritchie, known as Big Nath’s BBQ, shared with the Express: “We are spoiled in Bristol, with loads of amazing pubs but one of my favourites is Small Bar on Kings Street, an amazing selection of beers and ciders, plus Wings Diner is based there (some of the best Korean fried chicken about). Location is amazing for a bit of a pub crawl, Kings Street is great pub after great pub. Also the Apple boat pub for all the cider (where Kins and I had our first date).”
Matt Tebbutt
The Saturday Kitchen presenter and culinary expert explained: “Well that’s a difficult one….pubs are different things at different times…. some for summer, some for winter. An overall joy to visit is The Fox & Hounds in Hunsdon, Hertfordshire….is run by James and Bianca Rix and the food is incredible. It’s got a lovely beer garden for the good weather and cosy fires for the colder days….It’s the quintessential English village country pub that we don’t have enough of anymore.”
James Martin
The celebrity chef said: “Wonston Arms, run by husband and wife team, Matt and Lisa – wet lead pub with great food popup. It has won Best Little Pub in Hampshire and UK several years now.”
Jack Blumenthal
Jack, son of culinary icon Heston Blumenthal and the brains behind Ginger Wings, admitted: “Going to be biased here, Hinds Head in Bray. It’s a posh pub but its unmatched ribeye, chips and a crisp pint.”
LumberJaxe
Brendon and Jaydon, the founders of family-run seasoning and sauce company LumberJaxe, revealed: “Our favourite pub in the UK is undoubtedly The Fox Inn in Stourton. It’s a good old country pub with a great atmosphere and amazing pub food!”
Atul Kochhar
Atul, Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, recommended: “The Three Fishes by Nigel Haworth in Mitton in the beautiful Ribble Valley especially for its farm-to-fork approach.”
Thuy Diem Pham
Thuy, a bestselling cookbook author and chef, said: “Galvin Green Man (Chelmsford, Essex) by Galvin brothers.”
Candice Brown
Former Great British Bake Off champion and pub owner Candice confessed: “Well I could think about this, but it’s definitely my own! The Green Man Eversholt! We’ve worked so hard to create something so special it can’t not be my favourite!!”
Pub in the Park returns to Higginson Park, Marlow from Thursday, May 14 to Sunday, May 17. Tickets are available to purchase now, starting from £47. For more information, visit here.
