The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell is UK's best gastropub

Brendan Padfield opened The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell near Woodbridge in 2015, having left his career as a former solicitor to pursue his dream of running a pub in the Suffolk countryside. 

Now, more than eight years later, the pub has been named the best gastropub in the UK by Estrella Damm - for the second time in three years. 

"We feel thrilled, delighted, punch drunk," said Mr Padfield. 

"We really didn't expect it - once you have come top you expect to fall down the list from there.

"I said to the team before the awards that a place in the top 10 would be amazing.

Chef Patron Dave Wall (left) Unruly Pig owner Brendan Padfield (right) (Image: Claudia Gannon)

"There were so many talented and well-known players - many with Michelin stars - who were on that list.

"By God, when they said we had won it was a lovely surprise.

"It was the work of chef patron Dave Wall and head chef Karl Green that got this award for us.

"It is fantastic what their team has achieved."

READ MORE: Roast dinners at Suffolk gastropub named among best in UK

Even though the awards ceremony was only held on Monday, January 22, the impact of the accolade has already been felt by the team at The Unruly Pig.

The Unruly Pig has won the top spot twice in the last three years (Image: Tim Bowden)

"The phone has been ringing off the hook," said Mr Padfield.

"Most people book online, and that has skyrocketed.

"The Parker's Arm saw a 40 per cent increase in booking in 2023 after coming top of the list, and it is early days for us since winning the award but we have been delightfully busy ever since."

However, Mr Padfield says that the team will be keeping their feet firmly on the ground despite the huge win.

"This is no time for complacency," he said.

"We need to be extra vigilant as people will have higher expectations of us.

"We will keep delivering high-quality food for our customers."

Tables at The Unruly Pig can be booked via its website.