The Cornish Arms has featured every year in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list over the past four years and has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. It was also named as one of six national finalists for the title of Best Food Pub in 2016’s Great British Pub Awards.
Commenting on the success of finishing top in Devon, chef John Hooker said: ‘We are obviously delighted to have gained such high recognition in what is an incredibly important showcase for any pub that prides itself on the quality, creativity and presentation of its food offering. Everyone at the Cornish in Tavistock deserves credit for working so hard to earn this ranking; it proves that what we do here works, using fresh seafood and beautiful produce from local farms to create fantastic eating experiences.’
The St Austell Brewery-owned Cornish Arms ranking in the Gastropub lists, coming in at 14 in the full 50 national listings, was unveiled at a Michelin-star-studded awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef Matt Tebutt. Inclusion in the top 50 gastropubs list is particularly coveted by chefs and landlords because they are only voted for by peers in the industry — chefs such as Simon Hulston and Tom Kerridge, trade experts, food writers and journalists — meaning recognition is a sign of real consistency, innovation and quality in all areas of the operation.
James Healey, UK sales manager of the event’s lead sponsor Estrella Damm, said: ‘Making the top 50 is a high priority for pub chefs. You’ll be ranked among the greatest food pubs the UK has to offer. Customers get a buzz when they know they’re eating in one of the best pubs in the country.’
Adding his congratulations to the team Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery estate director, said: ‘The team at the Cornish in Tavistock has long been known for the fantastic quality of its food and they richly deserve this ranking in the national gastropub list. We congratulate them hugely on their success and for having their hard work recognised at such a high level.’