Norfolk's The Duck Inn named among best gastropubs in the UK

Stanhoe's The Duck Inn has made it on to the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list for 2023.

Owner Ben Handley was informed of the news after a parcel containing a top 50 Christmas tree bauble arrived which came with chocolates and a scroll notifying them of the award.

The scroll read: "We are pleased to announce that your pub has made it onto the 2023 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.

"Your position on the list will be revealed in January 2023 through an exclusive event."

Mr Handley admitted to feeling "emotional" after receiving the award following a challenging few years.

He said: "This is the best Christmas present ever, coming on the back of the other awards our brilliant team have won over the last few weeks.

"This accolade gives me so much confidence moving into 2023 following the toughest few years imaginable and is a credit to our staff, customers and amazing suppliers.

"I must confess to getting a little emotional hanging the Top 50 bauble on our Christmas tree here at The Duck, and it is something we shall always treasure.”

It has been quite a month for The Duck as it was also named a finalist in the Observer Food Awards for Best Sunday Lunch and named in the Good Food Guide’s Best UK Pubs for a Winter Lunch. 

Mr Handley added: "We are very proud of this achievement, which is all thanks to the wonderful team at The Duck Inn, as well as our suppliers.

"The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards will always be very special to us, there is real integrity about everything The Top 50 team do, and to be counted by them among the best gastropubs in the country is a wonderful feeling.”

The Duck Inn is open Wednesday to Sunday and booking is recommended.