As well as the core 1 to 50 list of the top gastropubs, we also introduced a 51-100 list in 2019 which further highlight culinary excellence within the pub industry. To give even more recognition within our great industry we also have a selection of specialist awards which are judged by an expert panel.
Although there is no way to put yourself forward for the list, the One to Watch category offers pubs a unique opportunity to secure a spot on the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs list by nominating themselves. Whether you’ve been open for six months or six years, the One to Watch category is open to all, offering a fair chance to earn a place among the industry’s best.
Entries for 2025 open on Monday 2 September and close Sunday 29 September where entrants are asked to submit answers to a series of questions. The judging panel will then go through every application and shortlist six finalists who will be contacted individually.
An in-person visit to the venues with an interview will then take place in the run up to the event where a dedicated judge will get the full gastropub experience. Pubs are marked on their appeal, food and drink offering, service, ambience, cleanliness, staffing and quality. Each finalist is invited to the awards ceremony in January where they will find out if they have won this prestigious award, as well as being able to celebrate greatness within the industry with their peers.
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In addition to the self-entry, a select panel of expert judges will vote on awards such as Chef of the Year and the Estrella Damm Sustainable Pub of The Year. The ceremony will also recognise the Highest New Entry to the list and Highest Climber, the pub that has jumped up the most places from the previous year.
The Morning Advertiser editor Ed Bedington says: “Winning or being shortlisted as a finalist is an excellent way of getting your pub – and yourself – the recognition that you deserve. Getting on this list is the jewel in the crown for foodie pubs across the UK. It’s the place to be seen.”
If you are an exceptional food pub who you think is worthy of joining the list, then you can enter the One to Watch Award from Monday 2 September 2025 here. You will have until Sunday 29 September to submit your entry and be in with a chance of attending the event and being crowned the next One to Watch.
2023’s winner The Victoria Oxshott’s co-owner King said the pub had “really expanded” its exposure from being named One to Watch, with visitors travelling far and wide to dine at the pub – from Cotswolds, to Yorkshire, to London.
2024's winner The Bull's Head's Chef Patron Mark Aisthorpe said "we genuinely couldn’t believe it when we were shortlisted for one to watch, the Estrella Damm Top 50 is one of the industry's most prestigious competitions and to win one to watch and be on the list aswell has been an amazing achievement for me and all my team. We couldn't be prouder".
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