Wells & Co is delighted to announce that FIVE of its Pub Partner sites have been named in the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs 2026, one of the most respected and influential awards in UK hospitality.
Now a firmly established benchmark for excellence, the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs celebrates pubs that are leading the way in food, drink, service and atmosphere. The list is judged by an expert panel of chefs, food writers and industry professionals, making inclusion a significant achievement within the sector.
This year, four Wells & Co. sites earned their place in the Top 100, underlining the strength, ambition and diversity of food-led pubs across the Group.
Leading the charge is The Silver Cup in Harpenden, which climbed to 32nd place, up from 36th last year. A much-loved pub with nearly 200 years of history, The Silver Cup continues to push forward with confidence, challenging expectations of what a modern British pub kitchen can deliver.
Reflecting on their progress, Olivia Reeder from The Silver Cup said:
“Moving up the list this year means a huge amount to the whole team. We’ve been really focused on pushing ourselves creatively and continuing to evolve what we put on the plate, while staying true to what people love about the pub. To see that recognised by our peers is incredibly motivating and gives us even more drive to keep raising the bar.”
Next up is The Cross in Kenilworth. Landing 52nd place, Michelin Starred The Cross re-enters the Top 100 this year. With seasonal dishes, sourced from some of the industry’s finest suppliers, you can expect both comfort and outstanding flavour combinations.
Also featured is The Anchor & Hope in Waterloo (London), ranked 64th. Known for its produce-led menus and understated confidence, the pub continues to refine its offer year on year, with a relentless focus on quality, consistency and detail.
Full of pride, Robert Webster-Shaw from The Anchor & Hope said:
“Being included in the Top 100 again is something we’re genuinely proud of. We never stand still here — everything we do is about consistency, care and striving to be better than the day before. Recognition like this reminds us that the details matter and that there’s always more to aim for.”
The Clarence Tavern in Stoke Newington secured 78th place, further strengthening its reputation as one of London’s standout gastropubs. With boldly flavoured dishes, generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Clarence continues to focus on delivering a complete and memorable guest experience.
Sam Gleeson from The Clarence Tavern commented:
“We’re delighted to be recognised again this year amongst such fantastic pubs. This acknowledgment is a real credit to the team and the effort they put in every day to make the Clarence a special place to visit.”
Completing the quartet is The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge, ranked 93rd. Now in its second year under the leadership of Tom Arnold, the pub has built real momentum, sharpening its food and drink offer and creating growing excitement around the business.
Delighted with the recognition, Tom Arnold, operator at The Burleigh Arms, said:
“To be recognised in the Top 100 in just our second year is incredibly exciting. We’ve been focused on sharpening the offer and building real confidence in the kitchen, but it also feels like we’re making a real statement about how strong Cambridge’s food and drink scene has become. To be included in such an established and respected list is something the whole team is incredibly proud of, and it feels like a brilliant milestone as we keep building momentum.”
The inclusion of five sites within the Top 100 highlights the strength of the Wells & Co estate, and the quality of operators.
Benjamin Smith, Retail Director at Wells & Co, said:
“To have five of our sites recognised in the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs is an outstanding achievement and a clear reflection of the talent, ambition and hard work within our estate. These teams aren’t standing still — they’re pushing forward, raising standards and setting the pace for what great food-led pubs can be.
“As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, it’s incredibly exciting to see how our pubs continue to evolve and look ahead, while remaining grounded in the values that have defined Wells & Co for generations. I couldn’t be prouder of these businesses and I’m excited about what the future holds for all four sites.”
For further details about pub opportunities with Wells & Co., visit our dedicated recruitment website: https://www.lifeatwellsandco.com/
For a full list of the Estrella Damm Top 100 Gastropubs, visit: www.top50gastropubs.com/
