The Duck Inn celebrates rejoining The Top 50 Gastropubs

“The best Christmas present ever” says Ben Handley

Yesterday The Duck Inn, in Stanhoe received a letter informing them that they had rejoined the prestigious Top 50 Gastropubs in The UK. The Duck first made the list in 2019, coming in at an incredible Number 35 in the list and this year they are more thrilled than ever to have been included.

The list is created by leading industry experts and fellow gastropubs and is regarded as the bible of the best gastropubs across the whole the UK.

Chef Patron Ben Handley said: “Being included in the 2021 Top 50 Gastropubs is the best Christmas present we could have wished for, especially after this most awful of years. The Top 50 community are some of the most inspiring and genuine people you could wish to meet. We have a group chat on WhatsApp and the support everyone has shown to each other in 2020 has been heartwarming. You could offer me a Michelin star, but this is the award that means the most, simply because of the wonderful group of people who are involved across the board.

"We have made friends for life with so many people from the Top 50, people who are so passionate about the hospitality industry as a whole, their staff, and their communities. 2020 has proved how vital pubs are to communities, so to have been named in the Top 50 of the UK makes it very special indeed.

Our wonderful team here at The Duck will tell you just how emotional I got opening that little brown envelope this morning. It means the world to us."

Photos: Andrew Waddison AW PR