Gastropub of the Year

Chef-patron Stosie Madi and her business partner Kathy Smith took over the Parkers Arms in January 2007 and over the past 15 years or so have built it into a shining example of what is great about British pubs.

The current number one on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, Parker Arms can now add Gastropub of the Year to the titles it has won and sits just outside the top 10 on the 2023 list at number 12.

So, what makes Parkers Arms so special? Firstly, it’s Madi herself, a true chefs’ chef for whom nothing is too much trouble in the pursuit of the best quality gastropub food. Madi’s menu is a roll call of hearty regional and global food featuring local Lancashire produce and which can change twice daily depending on seasonality and availability.

All food – including the ice creams, breads, and chutneys – is prepared fresh on the premises. Charcoal-grilled local day boat fish of the day typically features on the menu alongside a selection of its now nationally-recognised pies while other pub classics include top-quality steaks and fish and chips. Children under 10 are well looked after with a small daily updated selection of dishes.

Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a restaurant occupying a pub building. Parkers Arms serves a selection of local cask ales and draught lagers as well as a wine list that caters equally to cheap-and-cheerful lunches or long, indulgent suppers and welcomes people popping in for a pint after a dog walk as it does travelling gourmands for that special occasion.