Two Cornwall Gastropubs Named Among UK’s Best

Two pubs owned by St Austell Brewery have been recognised among the very best foodie venues in the country, following the release of the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list for 2026.

The The Cornish Arms in Tavistock has been ranked in the UK’s top ten, marking its 13th consecutive year in the guide. Joining it on the extended list is the St Kew Inn near Wadebridge, which has secured a place at number 69 in the top 100.

📷John Hooker

Top Ten for The Cornish Arms

The Cornish Arms is owned by St Austell Brewery and run by husband and wife team John and Emma Hooker. John also leads the kitchen.

John Hooker said: “Placing 10th in the Estrella Damm 2026 Top 50 is an incredible honour and to be making the list for a 13th consecutive year is something we’re truly humbled by. It reflects the passion, consistency and hard work of our entire team and the ongoing support of everyone who believes in what we do.”

Widely recognised as one of the South West’s leading chefs, John has previously been awarded Chef of the Year at the Trencherman’s Awards, held three AA Rosettes and competed on Great British Menu. Since taking on The Cornish Arms in 2013, John and Emma have built its reputation as both a welcoming local pub and a celebrated dining destination.

John’s menus focus on regional ingredients, driven by seasonality and rooted in hearty, flavour led cooking.

📷Cornish Arms food

St Kew Inn Secures Top 100 Spot

Also featured in the 2026 rankings is the St Kew Inn, a traditional 15th century pub near Wadebridge. This is the second time the pub has entered the guide.

Food is central to the guest experience at the St Kew Inn. Head chef Simon Davies plays a key role in shaping the menu and maintaining standards in the kitchen, supported by the wider team.

Sarah Allen, who runs the St Kew Inn, said: “We are honoured to be recognised among such esteemed company. We are committed to providing our guests with an exceptional dining experience and we’re excited to showcase our latest menu, which features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can expect a warm atmosphere, delicious food and great service from our fantastic front of house team when they come to see us.”

📷St Kew Inn

📷St Kew food

About the Awards

Now in its 17th year, the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list celebrates excellence in the gastropub industry. The rankings are voted for by 100 hospitality experts, including leading pub operators, food journalists and editors from across the UK.

About St Austell Brewery

Founded in 1851, St Austell Brewery remains family owned and this year celebrates its 175th anniversary. It is the South West’s leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.

The company operates two breweries in St Austell and Warmley near Bath, following the acquisition of Bath Ales in 2016. Its beers, including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager, are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.

St Austell Brewery owns more than 160 pubs and inns across the South West, including 45 managed houses alongside leased and tenanted sites run by business partners. It also operates six distribution centres across the region, from St Columb to Wimborne, making it the South West’s leading drinks wholesaler.

In 2022, the company became a minority shareholder in Harbour Brewing Company, expanding Harbour’s distribution footprint and making its craft beers available in St Austell Brewery pubs and to wholesale customers.

More information can be found on the St Austell Brewery website.

📷The Cornish Arms Tavistock