The 5 best pubs in England named - number one's in a tiny little village

The Muddy Stilleto Awards have crowned 2025's winners for the best destination pubs in England, with one particular pub in Yorkshire coming out on top. The competition that celebrates regional pubs claims it has found the new "best of the best." The team wrote: "Over the last few weeks, our expert editorial team has pitched, deliberated, and arm wrestled to bring you the Muddy Awards National Winners of the 21 categories across the 35 Muddy counties."

The event claimed all contestants were "incredible and worthy of a visit", but if you're struggling to choose where to begin, here is the list of category finalists and the champion of England's best destination pub.

Derbyshire is known for the beautiful stretch of the Peak District National Park, as well as historic buildings such as the Elizabethan Haddon Hall, known to have featured in the production of Pride and Prejudice, and now The Blind Bull.This lovely village pub has been crowned the winner of Muddy Stiletto's 'Best Destination Pub'. Located in Little Hucklow, the independent establishment describes itself as the youngest in the town, yet full of rich history.

Sitting within the Peak District, the building is claimed to be "Britain's fifth oldest public house." After a thorough renovation of the 12th-century inn to its original state, the public house now offers a charming farmhouse dining experience. Additionally, acting as a homestay, The Blind Bull advertises a cottage and six rooms ready for guests wanting to relax in England's renowned countryside.

Their website writes: "We want The Blind Bull to be your newest home from home: a casual and welcoming place to gather and taste Derbyshire's delicious local produce". Owner, Raab Dykstra-McCarthy, adds: "I'm trying to create a pub I'd want to go to. Nothing over the top, just a comfortable place, passionate about food, where people can come together over an unforgettable meal".

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the site states its hours as 4 pm to late on Wednesday and 11 am to late on Thursday and Sunday.

Found in the Cotswold village of Ebrington in Gloucestershire, the pub offers an alfresco-style terrace and garden.

Claiming to have first become a pub "over two hundred years ago," the website states that the pub now welcomes visitors from "all over the globe. It's even become a pilgrimage for those following us on social media. "

Accompanied by its own "boutique hotel," this 17th-century English pub can be discovered in the centre of the Hambleton peninsula on the Rutland Water. Boasting beautiful beamed ceilings, the dining area and terrace are said to provide serene views over the water.

Their site offers nights including "roaring log fires and friendly atmosphere with a hint of greater luxury," ideal for Autumn's arrival. Nearby, the bluebell woods and historic village of Oakham and Stamford offer the perfect reason to make your visit a weekend stay.

Alleviating the British pub experience to quality fine dining, this old London pub is located on a quiet side street of Mayfair and offers "three very different dining experiences to suit your occasion."

Taking pride in its Sunday roast, The Punch Bowl promises a warm welcome and British seasonal ingredients, used for a ranged menu with the cheapest main at an affordable £20.

The quaint 16th-century building in Surrey Hills is the epitome of an English home. Selling beers from local breweries and various beloved cocktails, the bar and wine cellar promise "a diverse selection of wines from the classic regions of Europe, South America & the UK" at supposedly reasonable prices, writes the site.

With a menu designed around the open grill & wood-fired oven, the eatery states its belief in "ingredient-led cooking" that showcases produce from suppliers as local as 10 miles from the pub.

To discover the rest of this year's finalists and winners, read here.