A cosy country pub tucked away on the edge of the Peak District has been ranked among the finest in the nation.
Just under an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre, this pub has claimed tenth place in the Good Food Guide’s brand-new list of the 100 Best Pubs in Britain.
Good Food Guide’s brand-new list of the 100 Best Pubs in Britain
Run by chef Luke Payne and his partner Emma Daniels since 2016, The Pack Horse has steadily earned a reputation for its contemporary yet comforting British menu. Payne’s commitment to seasonal, ingredient-led cooking has turned this once-traditional village pub into a destination for foodies across the North West.
Serving dishes such as Chatsworth Estate beef sirloin and locally inspired modern plates, the pub’s menu celebrates the Peak District’s rich produce while maintaining the relaxed feel of a neighbourhood local. Its rural charm and inventive approach have drawn glowing reviews and now national recognition.
The Pack Horse – a Peak District gem with stellar reputation
Despite a challenging climate for hospitality with around one pub closing every day in 2025 – the Good Food Guide’s new list highlights venues keeping Britain’s pub culture alive through “proper food and proper beer.”
The Pack Horse’s inclusion, Payne says, is testament to the passion of his team: “I’m so proud of them carrying the flag in my absence – it’s a credit to their incredible work.”
Northern dominance in the Good Food Guide’s list of the 100 Best Pubs in Britain rankings
While The Highland Laddie in Leeds claimed the number-one spot, the North of England fared particularly well in the inaugural list. North Yorkshire’s The Abbey Inn, The General Tarleton, and The Star Inn also made the top 50, alongside Lancashire’s beloved Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland, famed for its hearty pies.
Derbyshire itself had a strong showing, with The Blind Bull in Little Hucklow and The Old Eyre Arms joining The Pack Horse among the country’s standout pubs.
Chloë Hamilton, editor of The Good Food Guide, said the judges sought out pubs that “nail the drinking and dining side of the equation.” She praised this year’s winners for proving that great food and warm hospitality can thrive everywhere—from historic villages to bustling city centres.The list, produced in partnership with Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, celebrates venues that balance tradition with innovation.
For Manchester food lovers, The Pack Horse in Hayfield is now officially one of Britain’s best reasons to head into the Peaks.
Whether for a roast by the fire or a special occasion meal, this scenic local has just become one of the UK’s brightest pub success stories.
