FOUR of Cumbria's gastropubs have just been named in the top 50 across the UK.
The Top 50 Gastropubs 2023 List is a prestigious award sponsored by Estrella Damm.
Top of the Cumbrian list comes at number 20 with the Black Swan in Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen.
Chef Scott Fairweather said: "I'm still overwhelmed. I've tried to get on this list since I was 21. We managed to get on two years ago but to be at number 20 this is unbelievable, which I think is the highest a Cumbrian restaurant has been.
"The main point is keeping true to ourselves, with our personality when it comes to our rooms and food," he said.
Coming in at number 35, is the The Black Bull in Sedbergh.
The idyllic inn at the foot of the Howgill Fells, co-owner James Ratcliffe said: ''We’re aim to offer our guests the whole package - great food, a beautiful setting, warm service and genuine Dales hospitality and awards like this voted for by our peers up and down the country show that we are heading in the right direction.''
Making its way onto the list at number 39, is the Dog & Gun in Skelton.
The Michelin star Dog & Gun was opened in 2017 by chef Ben Queen-Fryer and has even recently received rave reviews by one of the UK's top food critics, Grace Dent.
"It's a very high end list, so to it's really nice to be included - it has something for everyone, full of modest and good food," Ben said.
"It's really great for Cumbria, and there's so many great places that haven't been mentioned such as Drunken Duck, The Punch Bowl and the guys at Pentonbridge Inn. Congratulations to the Black Swan for topping the list," he said.
Followed closely behind was the Heft at High Newton at number 43.
The 17th century Lakeland Inn with restaurant is run by Kevin and Nicola Tickle.
Heft’s chef patron Kevin Tickle said: “Being in the top 50 is a fantastic achievement for any pub and it really encourages you to keep pushing yourself. We’ve tried to ensure that we get things right by creating a village pub with a really relaxed vibe, serving good beer and wine alongside an ever changing locally sourced seasonal menu in the restaurant.
"People seem to appreciate what we’re doing, which I guess is why we’ve got a good mix of customers, including our local regulars and guests from across the northwest and even further afield.
"There’s no doubt that we are heading in the right direction, and we’ll keep pushing ahead with what we want to achieve for the pub, and this recognises where we want to be," he said.
READ MORE: Michelin star The Dog & Gun Skelton gets rave review from Grace Dent
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