-
GFC Awards 2026/7 Pub of the Year: The Five Bells, Claypole, Lincolnshire
Pub of the Year Finalists 2026/7
The top public vote-winners:
Pub of the Year 2026/7: The Five Bells
The Five Bells in Claypole is our Great Food Club Pub of the Year 2026/7.
Of all four finalists, this was the pub that most completely hit the spot for our judges. The bar was lively, the restaurant was buzzing and the welcome was warm from the moment we arrived.
What impressed us most was how naturally The Five Bells works as a village pub. Locals mixed with families, grandparents and grandchildren, groups of friends and couples out for dinner. It felt relaxed, sociable and unpretentious – exactly the sort of place where different generations can happily share the same room.
The food matched the atmosphere. The kitchen takes recognisable pub dishes and gives them enough thought and individuality to keep things interesting without losing sight of what people want from a good pub meal.
We started with scallops and whitebait. The scallops came in rich garlic butter, while the whitebait was served with yellow cornbread. Both were straightforward, generous dishes with plenty of flavour.
Mains continued in the same vein. Beef short rib with mustard mash had clearly been given the time it needed, while charcoal-grilled salmon with orzo was full of flavour. Lemon Bakewell tart finished the meal.
The drinks list showed similar care, with interesting wines alongside a good beer selection. One particularly nice touch came when a member of staff made a point of coming over to tell us that a fresh barrel of guest ale had just gone on.
The young team were friendly and attentive throughout, but the Five Bells never felt over-managed or formal. It retained the easy, natural character of a proper village pub.
That balance is difficult to achieve. Good food matters, but Pub of the Year has to be about more than what arrives on the plate. Atmosphere, beer, service, character and the simple pleasure of spending an evening in the place all count.
For its warm welcome, lively atmosphere, excellent pub cooking and genuine village-pub character, The Five Bells is our Great Food Club Pub of the Year 2026/7.
The other finalists
Boot & Shoe, Flintham
The Boot & Shoe impressed with friendly, knowledgeable service and a smart, characterful interior. The team knew the menu well and were happy to check with the kitchen when they needed more information.
The food was a particular strength. Our table tried dishes including crab and prawn vol-au-vents, Korean fried chicken, picanha steak, côte du porc with chorizo and butter bean stew, chicken with fregola and grilled courgette, and a vegetarian pie.
The cooking was accomplished and well presented, with enough imagination to distinguish it from standard pub fare. Add a good wine list and warm service and the result was a very enjoyable evening.
White Hart, Ufford
The White Hart had the busiest atmosphere of our four judging visits, with couples, families and multi-generational groups filling the pub and restaurant.
It has the feel of a substantial country inn rather than a simple village boozer, with accommodation adding another dimension. The atmosphere was lively and the staff friendly, creating a place that clearly works well for celebrations, family meals and weekends away.
Its combination of attractive surroundings, a busy dining room and strong country-inn character secured its place among this year’s final four.
Plough Inn, Hickling
The Plough Inn remains a reassuringly traditional village pub. Its front snug and open fire give it plenty of character, while friendly service and a good beer selection help preserve the sort of straightforward pub experience many people actively seek out.
The Plough is especially well known for its pies, and with good reason. Our lamb and mint pie was beautifully cooked and served with chips, garden peas and gravy, while the vegetarian lentil shepherd’s pie was equally hearty.
Beer is another strength. Our judges found a good selection on the bar, including Thornbridge and draught Bass, which was particularly well kept. For a filling pie supper and a pint in an old-fashioned village pub, The Plough has considerable appeal.
Congratulations to The Five Bells, Boot & Shoe, White Hart and Plough Inn on reaching the Great Food Club Awards 2026/7 Pub of the Year final.
