Porky's in Bebside has been crowned the winner of the 2026 battle of the roasts, topping the poll with 3,661 votes and a 33% share of the final tally. The Northumberland smokehouse was announced as champion on October 4 after more than 11,000 votes were cast in the search for the best Sunday dinner in the North East.
How the vote unfolded
Following The Gibside Hotel in Whickham's win in 2025, nominations opened again at the end of September. With little separating some of the places in contention, the shortlist was extended to 11 rather than the usual 10.
Readers then voted to pick the winner, with Porky's emerging as the clear favourite. Second place went to The Lambton Worm in Chester-le-Street, while The Turbinia in Walker took bronze, not far behind on 2,286 votes.
Full results in order
- Porky's, Bebside: 3,661 votes (33%)
- The Lambton Worm, Chester-le-Street: 2,352 votes (21.2%)
- The Turbinia, Walker: 2,286 votes (20.6%)
- The Tempus, Northumberland: 938 votes (8.5%)
- The Skiff Inn, Gateshead: 709 votes (6.4%)
- The Peacock, Sunderland: 391 votes (3.5%)
- Owl & Otter, Dipton: 297 votes (2.7%)
- The Hawk, Ponteland: 254 votes (2.3%)
- Brinkburn St Brewery, Ouseburn: 88 votes (0.8%)
- The Flying Boast, Sunderland: 78 votes (0.7%)
- Eslington Manor, Low Fell: 36 votes (0.3%)
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