The Gunton Arms in Norfolk has been named as the best pub in the UK, following its triumph at the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards.
Owned by Ivor Braka and overseen by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Simone Tattersall, The Gunton Arms is a traditional pub with 16 bedrooms, set in an extensive, historic park near Cromer in north Norfolk.
Leading the kitchen is Stuart, previously head chef at Mark Hix, who cooks from local ingredients over a fire grill, including venison from the surrounding deer park.
Having opened in October 2011, Braka’s history as an art dealer makes for a pub and grounds that blends rustic charm with contemporary art and eccentric luxury. Inside, guests will find works by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.
“I’m gobsmacked,” says Stuart. “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 and been really kind to us, so after 15 years to get this is a massive achievement.”
The Gunton Arms was selected as number one ahead of 252 other pubs and bars from across the UK, all of which had been shortlisted to represent their respective counties at the annual event.
In total, a massive 94 County Winners were announced live at the awards, as well as Highly Commended venues for each area. Regional Winners, which can be seen below, were then announced for every region across the UK.
Other awards on the night were the Pub Group of the Year, which went to Caledonian Heritable, and Bar Group of the Year, which was won by German bier haus brand Albert’s Schloss. The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award – presented by the event’s headline sponsor – was awarded to The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, West Sussex.
The Industry’s Choice Award, which is voted for by hundreds of people from across the sector and unveiled in a Top 10 format, once again went to The Devonshire in Soho, who won this accolade after its introduction at the 2025 event.
All of the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards winners, including County and Regional, can be found at nationalpubandbarawards.co.uk
