Tag Archive: bonsall

  • Pub of the Year: GFC Awards 2025/6 – The Barley Mow, Bonsall, Derbyshire

    Posted on Wednesday October 1st, 2025

    Winner

    Chosen by our judges:

    The Barley Mow, Bonsall, Derbyshire

    Finalists

    The top public vote winners:

    The King’s Head, Navenby, Lincolnshire
    Hercules Revived, Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire
    The Barley Mow, Bonsall, Derbyshire
    Berkeley Arms, Wymondham, Leicestershire

    The winner is The Barley Mow at Bonsall – a true one-off that captures the spirit of the independent country pub. Quirky, cosy and full of character, this one-room boozer is packed with memorabilia and curiosities, creating an atmosphere that’s warm, welcoming and distinctly original.

    Our judges were impressed not only by the food but by the sheer sense of fun and hospitality. The steak & ale pie with buttery pastry, the jerk chicken with coconut rice, and the Bakewell pudding all hit the spot, served alongside a line-up of real ciders and ales. It’s hearty, homely food made with care – exactly what you want in a Derbyshire country pub.

    Scoring a perfect 20/20 for friendliness and top marks for “pub X factor,” The Barley Mow left us smiling. Landlords Colette and Mick have created something special here. From Colette’s vibrant presence – she’s also lead singer of funk and soul band Mancuso – to their offbeat humour and inclusive spirit, they make sure everyone feels part of the pub’s lively vibe.

    Add in great music, the World Hen Racing Championship in the car park, and plenty of personality, and you have a pub that’s impossible not to love. The Barley Mow is an original, authentic, joy-filled place – and our GFC Pub of the Year 2025/6.