The Black Bear Inn, a multi-award-winning gastropub near Usk in Monmouthshire, Wales, has secured its place in the prestigious Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list for the fourth consecutive year. The pub, owned by Josh and Hannah Byrne, has consistently impressed diners with its innovative approach to dining, despite controversially ditching the traditional Sunday roast. The couple’s dedication to providing a unique culinary experience has propelled The Black Bear Inn to become one of the top dining destinations in Wales.
Since taking over the pub in 2018, Josh and Hannah Byrne have transformed The Black Bear Inn into a culinary gem that has caught the attention of food critics and gastronomes alike. Not only has the gastropub been recognised by the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list, but it has also earned a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide since 2022 and received a prestigious six in the Good Food Guide. The consistent accolades and recognition from renowned food guides underline the exceptional quality of the dining experience at The Black Bear Inn.
The recent announcement of The Black Bear Inn’s inclusion in the 2025 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list reaffirms its status as a leading culinary destination in the UK. The pub’s innovative approach to traditional pub fare, combined with a commitment to excellence in food and service, has set it apart from its competitors. The recognition from Estrella Damm is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at The Black Bear Inn in delivering an exceptional dining experience to their patrons.
The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list aims to celebrate the outstanding achievements of gastropubs across the UK and recognise the hardworking individuals who contribute to the success of the sector. The list features a diverse selection of pubs that offer a unique and exceptional dining experience, making it a go-to resource for food enthusiasts looking for top-quality pubs to dine at. The annual unveiling of the Top 50 Gastropubs list is a highly anticipated event in the culinary world, with the 2025 edition set to be announced in a prestigious ceremony at London’s Plaisterers’ Hall on Monday, January 27, 2025.
The Black Bear Inn’s inclusion in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list highlights the pub’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the culinary world. Through their dedication to creating a unique dining experience and pushing the boundaries of traditional pub fare, Josh and Hannah Byrne have established The Black Bear Inn as a leading gastronomic destination in Wales. With its fourth consecutive appearance in the Top 50 Gastropubs list, The Black Bear Inn continues to impress diners and critics alike with its exceptional food, warm hospitality, and unwavering commitment to quality.
In addition to The Black Bear Inn, five other pubs have been shortlisted for the prestigious accolade, including Horse and Groom Free House in West Sussex, Sussex Ox in East Sussex, The Rum Fox in Lancashire, The Victoria in east London, and The White Hart in Oxfordshire. These establishments represent the best of British gastropubs and are recognised for their exceptional food, ambiance, and service. The Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list serves as a benchmark for excellence in the pub dining sector and celebrates the diverse and vibrant culinary scene in the UK.
The esteemed editor of The Morning Advertiser, Ed Bedington, commended the pubs that made it to the 2025 Top 50 Gastropubs list, highlighting the importance of recognising and celebrating the gastronomic offerings in the pub industry. Bedington congratulated the pubs for their exemplary culinary offerings and noted that being included in the Top 50 Gastropubs list is a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation. As the countdown to the announcement of the winners begins, the pubs on the list can be proud of their achievements and the recognition they have received from the industry.
In conclusion, The Black Bear Inn’s consistent presence in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list is a testament to its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and innovation. The pub’s unique approach to dining, combined with its warm hospitality and dedication to quality, has established it as a standout dining destination in Wales. As the culinary world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the 2025 Top 50 Gastropubs list, The Black Bear Inn and other shortlisted pubs stand as shining examples of the best that the British gastropub sector has to offer.