Two Wells & Co. partners recognised in prestigious UK Top 50 Gastropubs Awards

Wells & Co. is delighted to announce that two pub partner sites have been recognised in the UK Top 50 Gastropub Awards, sponsored by Estrella Damm.

The awards, now in their 12th year, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and influential recognitions of excellence within the UK hospitality industry and are awarded based on several factors such as food quality, service, atmosphere, and drink selection. A panel of esteemed chefs, food critics, and industry professionals are responsible for formulating the top 50 list.

The Clarence Tavern, located in Stoke Newington, London, reached number 25 on the awards, making it one of the top food venues in the capital. Owned by Robert Webster-Shaw and run by Managing Director Sam Gleeson, The Clarence Tavern heroes on boldly flavoured pub-sized portions. Starters range from harissa roasted carrots, herb tahini and almond to smoked cod’s roe and pickled cucumber on toast.

Among the mains you may find skate, spiced brown shrimp and samphire, guinea fowl ragu with fried polenta, cavalo nero and parmesan or slow-cooked lamb to share between two or three.

Commenting on being recognised in the Estrella Dam Top 50 Gastropubs,
Sam Gleeson from The Clarence Tavern said:

“It’s brilliant to have been included in the Top 50 list for the first time. Our team works incredibly hard every day to deliver delicious food and a welcoming experience, and to be listed alongside so many friends and industry legends is a real pat on the back for them.”

Number 36 on the 2025 Top 50 list was The Silver Cup, a traditional British pub and restaurant in Harpenden, Hertfordshire serving high quality, contemporary dishes. Operated by siblings Matthew and Olivia Reeder, The Silver Cup has been part of Harpenden’s community for nearly 200 years. It was opened as a classic Victorian public house at the end of the Harpenden racecourse on the common where traditionally the winner was awarded a silver cup, hence its name.

The pub is renowned for its sophisticated food and features creative dishes inspired by the finest seasonal British produce and local ingredients.

Olivia Reeder from The Silver Cup said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this prestigious Top 50 list and to be in such esteemed company. At The Silver Cup, we work incredibly hard to inspire and delight each and every one of our customers and recognition such as this, by our peers across the industry, makes all of the hard work worthwhile.”

Both pubs are owned by fifth-generation family brewer and pub company Wells & Co, who operate over 180 sites across the UK. As a pub partner, Wells provide operators with an array of support, training and guidance, creating long-lasting partnerships that enable individuals and businesses to flourish at the heart of their communities.

Pete Wells, Chief Executive at Wells & Co., said:

“Our pub partners are the cornerstone of our business, and we are committed to working in partnership with each of our operators so that they are able to fulfil their potential. I am absolutely delighted that two of our partners – The Clarence Tavern and The Silver Cup – have been recognised for their outstanding food offerings and I am excited to see how both sites can continue to inspire and delight our customers.

“I would also like to congratulate our partners at The Anchor and Hope in London and The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge who have both been recognised within the Top 100 Gastropubs in the UK. To have four sites within the Top 100 is a fantastic achievement and testament to the innovation that is taking place every day across our Group.”

For further details about the pub opportunities available at Wells & Co., visit: www.wellsandco.com

For a full list of the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs, visit: www.top50gastropubs.com/