This year’s competition for gastropub greatness has been hotter than a freshly fried, triple-cooked chip. After much scoffing, quaffing and deliberating the UK’s top foodies and pub pros have agreed on the best of the best: Suffolk’s The Unruly Pig, which they describe as ‘winsome, warm and witty.’ 

It was a brilliant night for Suffolk, but sadly no mentions for any of our lovely Cambridgeshire gastropubs. The three other local hot spots to make the list are The Greyhound Inn, Pettistree, The Brewers, Rattlesden, The Ufford Crown

Ready for some award-winning food? Read on to discover why you should visit all four this year! 

The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk (No. 1)

They say: “Winsome and warm, Suffolk’s Unruly Pig serves filling and well-crafted pub food in an environment that reflects the personalities of the people behind the stunning venue. Dishes are a pleasant cross between British and Italian (Brit-Italian) cuisine, giving diners a refreshing change from the usual pub fare. While the menus differ from those in other gastropubs, it remains familiar, wholesome and ultimately tasty with something for every palate, thanks to the extreme talent in the kitchens.” 

We say: The menu is a mouth-watering combo of seasonal British food with Italian influence. We love the sound of 40-day aged sirloin steak tagliata with parmesan chips, burnt onion, and bone marrow sauce or cauliflower risotto with almond, taleggio, and black garlic. Regarding the atmosphere, it’s a modern, quirky gastropub with brightly coloured dining rooms, funky art and an extensive decked terrace and fire pit. For little ones not interested in a fancy splatter of sauce, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu.

The Greyhound Inn, Pettistree (No.66)

They say: “Head chef, Adam Spicer, has devised an ever-changing weekly menu with historic dishes including veal sweetbreads with sauce Gribiche to start, moving onto osso bucco, white beans, dandelions and gremolata for main, finishing with custard tart with green rhubarb for dessert. There is also an impressive wine list, and with the bar being an important part of maintaining the Greyhound’s heritage as a local pub, there are usually three cask beers pouring from Suffolk brewers including Adnams and Earl Soham, plus home-made pork scratchings.”

We say: This gastropub was a brand new entry for Suffolk in 2023. It’s the brainchild of four friends from London who took it over in 2022 and have made quite the mark. The interiors have been zhuzhed up, while this year new chef Adam Spicer, from Suffolk’s Retreat East, has worked his magic on a new and exciting weekly menu using local produce. The bar is a beautiful place to relax and drink the many local cask beers as well as a chance to work your way through an impressive wine list. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm until 10:30pm and Sunday from 12pm until 6pm.

The Brewers, Rattlesden (no.70)

They say: “Tastefully refurbished in a modern style, inside there’s a spacious bar and restaurant area featuring exposed brick-built bread ovens from a bakery that used to be on the site, while outdoors the summer terrace is a great spot to while away a warm evening. A frequently changing menu might include, to start, hand-dived scallops with sweetcorn, cauliflower and chicory or beef tartare with egg yolk, capers and truffle. Among the mains you might go for a 500g ribeye steak to share, or stone bass with cauliflower, Romanesco, pomme puree and compressed cucumber.”

We say: Maintaining its spot at number 70 in the list, The Brewers in Rattlesden is a lovingly restored, cosy and characterful gastropub with an exciting menu that celebrates local food, a fabulous choice of drinks and a wonderful atmosphere that welcomes everyone, including dogs. Inside is all pretty beams and twinkling lights, while outside you’ll find a pub garden that’s so lovely it was voted as one of the UK’s prettiest pub gardens in The Times. The menu is all about celebrating the taste and flavour of seasonal, local produce sustainably sourced from indie butchers, fishmongers and veg suppliers. As well as an à la carte menu there’s a set lunch menu, a chef’s tasting menu, and special one off nose to tail – a celebration of beef menu. There’s plenty on offer for veggies and vegans too.

The Ufford Crown, Suffolk (No. 84)

They say: “Leading the kitchen are accomplished chefs Will Hardiman and Arthur Wilson. The menus are a blend of traditional dishes such as shepherd’s pie made with chunks of braised lamb shank or Will’s own beef and paprika sausages and mash. There are also more discerning plates such as confit of rabbit leg, served with loin of rabbit or venison fillet served with game pie.”

We say: A new entry in at number 84 for the Ufford Crown that was reopened in 2011 by Max and Polly Durrant. Walking into this pub is like having a lovely warm hug with the gorgeous dark interiors and cosy lights. The food is classic pub grub but really elevated and locals rave about the Sunday Lunch, which includes an incredible three roasts for veggies and seven for meat eaters!