The Gunton Arms in Norfolk has been named National Pub & Bar of the Year at the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 10 June.
The annual event brought together operators from across the UK to celebrate the best in the sector, with more than 250 venues recognised at county and regional level. Taking the top honour, The Gunton Arms near Cromer stood out among 252 shortlisted pubs and bars, each representing their local area.
Owned by Ivor Braka and run by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Simone Tattersall, the venue combines traditional pub character with boutique accommodation, offering 16 bedrooms set within a historic deer park. The kitchen, led by Stuart, focuses on locally sourced ingredients cooked over fire, including venison from the surrounding estate. The pub is also known for its distinctive interiors, featuring works by artists including Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.
Reacting to the win, Stuart Tattersall said: “I’m gobsmacked. It’s absolutely incredible to be mentioned in the same breath as so many of these people at the awards. It’s a credit to the team at The Gunton and the great county of Norfolk. Our guests have really supported us, so after 15 years to get this is a massive achievement.”
Among the regional winners, The Ferry Inn on the Isle of Skye was named North Scotland Pub & Bar of the Year, highlighting the strength of hospitality across the Highlands and Islands. In South Scotland, Glasgow’s The Noble also secured a regional title.
A total of 94 county winners were revealed on the night, alongside highly commended venues, before regional and national titles were announced. Additional accolades included Pub Group of the Year for Caledonian Heritable and Bar Group of the Year for Albert’s Schloss. The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award went to The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, West Sussex.
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The Industry’s Choice Award, voted for by hundreds of professionals across the sector, was once again awarded to The Devonshire in Soho, which topped a shortlist of ten venues from across the UK.
The National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 was supported by a range of industry sponsors including Tyrrells, Brulo, Codigo 1530 Tequila, Frobishers and Hawkstone.
A full list of winners, including county and regional categories, is available at nationalpubandbarawards.co.uk.
