Northamptonshire Red Lion wins Britain’s Best Country Pub 2026

Described as a ‘hidden gem’, The Red Lion – part of The Greedy Gordons Group – has become a firm favourite with locals thanks to its locally sourced food and beautiful countryside setting.

In September, The Red Lion in Cranford also won both the Punch Regional Pub of the Year Award and The Punch Pub of the Year Award.

Managing director Richard Gordon said: “It was a great night – I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud.

"To get a national award has crowned our year. We have worked so hard over the last nine years. The Red Lion was our first pub. Winning the Punch Pub of the Year was great and this is just the icing on the cake."

Mr Gordon thanked the team – business partner Sonya Harvey, head chefs James Compton and Vince Eaves, sous-chefs Bailey Russell and Adam Carter, general manager Ashely Headland and assistant manager Kelsey Nabarro

He said: “It means so much to us – it recognises the passion, hard work and dedication of our amazing team, as well as the wonderful support we receive from our customers and local community.”

Pubs entered into the competition face a rigorous assessment process judged by industry experts, including a visit to each finalist’s pub.

Publicans then face a final panel interview grilling.

After the envelope revealing the winner was read out, the group took to the stage to be handed the award by host comedian Suzi Ruffell and then celebrated with a ‘couple of drinks’.

Mr Gordon admits it’s been a ‘challenging year’ for hospitality, making the achievement even more special.

Being close to Kettering’s Hanwood Park estate has helped boost the pub, as well as being close to a main road in the middle of the country.

He said: “The A14 is huge for us. Loads of people meet halfway and meet for lunch. We had a massive refurb in February and it’s just a beautiful pub.”

Alongside the Red Lion’s gastro pub menu, over the summer punters at the Red Lion enjoyed The Seafood Shack – a large open restaurant space with its own kitchen and bar in the garden. The hireable space shows sports and hosts a movie night every Sunday evening.

A designated pollinator pub, the Red Lion has a bee-friendly garden and bug hotels, through a collaboration with Warner's Honey Bee gin and The Eden Project.

Ed Bedington, head judge at the awards, said: “The Red Lion is a fantastic example of what a truly great country pub should be.

"It’s clear that the team has created somewhere that feels genuinely welcoming, with an exciting menu of food and drink. What really stood out to us was the innovation of the operators, maximising every bit of space and appealing to a wide range of guests.

“Not only is it charming from the outside but inside has recently been upgraded and extended to create a cosy hunting lodge feel.”

Next for The Red Lion is a German-style chalet offering beer by the stein, and traditional Oktober Fest food that will continue over the winter.

The group has also been nominated in four categories of the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards.