The Queens Arms in Eccles, Greater Manchester, has taken the top spot in The Good Food Guide's 2026 ranking of the UK's finest pubs, while no Merseyside establishments made the prestigious top 100.
The annual list, published on Monday, November 2, celebrates pubs across the UK that have impressed with their menus, drinks offerings and overall experience. The announcement comes at a challenging time for Britain's pub industry, as rising costs and changing consumer habits continue to put pressure on landlords, with pubs closing across the country.
Top Pub and Its Owners
The Queens Arms, widely recognised as the oldest passenger railway pub in the world, took the top spot thanks to its charming cultural mash-up of historic Victorian boozer and Japanese Izakaya. Behind it are former accountant Anthony Sit and chef Mr Lo - both Hong Kongers who bonded over their love of Japanese food at the school gate. By chance, spotting the For Sale sign, the business partners meticulously restored the Grade II-listed pub and reopened it in 2025.
Speaking about the win, Anthony said: "We get a lot of spam calls, and I wasn't sure at first if it was real. It still feels like a dream; I can't believe it. But we have to give credit where it's due: to our amazing team and customers for their support."
Other Notable Pubs Near Liverpool
Although no pubs in Merseyside made the list, there are a few just a short drive away, including the overall winner. Appearing on the list are Newton-in-Bowland's Parkers Arms, Lancashire's Freemasons at Wiswell, Manchester's The Trof and The Marble Arch.
Adam Hyman, owner of Good Food Guide, commented: "While our industry continues to adapt to the new norm of what running a hospitality business looks like in Britain, our Best Pubs list once again shows that some of the best food and hospitality can be found in pubs."
Full List of the 100 Best Pubs
The full list includes venues from across the UK, from London to Scotland and Wales. Highlights include The Cow in Notting Hill at number two, The Highland Laddie in Leeds at three, and The Greyhound Inn in Pettistree, Suffolk, at four.
The list features a diverse range of pubs, including The Compasses Inn in Tisbury, The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford, and The Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan, among others. The top 100 is completed by The Falcon Inn in Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire, at number 100.
