The Longs Arms

The pub shot up the list last year, soaring from number 40 in 2020 and has remained in the top 30 for several years.

And there is little wonder as to why, as the pub has won Best Chef and Best Food Pub finalist in Thetford Reader Awards 2016; been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017; and won the Gastropub award in the Bath Life Awards 2016.

Meat is sourced from Aubrey Allen – an ethical, welfare friendly, traceable and fair-trade supplier with a Royal Warrant – and Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs sponsor.

Licensee Rob Allcock and his partner Liz bought the Longs Arms in 2017 from pubco Wadworth fox a six-figure sum.

Buying the pub means Rob can now buy his beer, wine and spirits from wherever he likes.

He says: “I am buzzing and on top of the world. Before we were landlords but now, I really am a chef-patron and now we can push the business forward how we want to.

“We can get wines to match our food, we can buy beer from small, independent brewers to match our food, it’s just so exciting. This is the next chapter, the page has turned and we can just move on now.”

Menu highlights have included venison Scotch egg for those looking for a snack. Mains have featured Highland venison loin with mulberries, truffle mash, braised hispi cabbage, sauce grand veneur.

We always have room for afters and in this case, we would struggle to pick one of the mouth-watering options, which have included strawberry choc ice with honeycomb, strawberries and yoghurt; blood orange curd with rhubarb, walnut brittle and meringue; and Valrhona caraibe chocolate tart with coconut and pistachios.

In summary, the venue is a beautiful country pub that serves cask ale alongside fresh seasonal produce with warm and friendly service.