The George at Kempsford, Gloucestershire has been named in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards for 2026, marking a significant national accolade for the Cotswold pub.
The annual awards are voted for by the hospitality industry and celebrate the UK’s best gastropubs, as chosen by chefs and industry experts. Inclusion on the list recognises venues that are regarded by their peers as leaders in the field.
According to the awards website, “Nestled in the historic village of Kempsford, the George combines the warmth of a traditional 19th-century village inn with a culinary experience that has captured the attention of food lovers across the nation with its use of the finest ingredients in its classic British cooking.”
The George is led by Roger and Emie Hawkshaw, who bring Michelin-star and Rosette-level experience to the gastropub. Heading up the kitchen, Roger’s career includes the Roux Scholarship and a tenure at the Michelin-starred New Angel. He curates menus that celebrate the seasons, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy the pub’s well-known Sunday roasts, an evolving à la carte menu, or simply settle in by the fire with a pint of Arkell’s. Attention to detail runs through every aspect of the experience.
Emie leads the front of house, described on the awards website as the “front of house maestro”, ensuring every guest visit is memorable.
After receiving the award letter, Roger said: “The George has come a long way. I cannot take all of the credit, the front of house team, led by Emie, have been amazing. The feedback from our local community and visitors, who travel quite a distance, has also been vital and helped me to develop the menu, establish regular specials and produce dishes that are clearly being enjoyed and recognised — and that’s what is most rewarding.”
The recognition also marks a historic first for Arkell’s Brewery. The George — one of the brewery’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1861 — is the first Arkell’s pub to be included in the UK Top 50 Gastropub list.
George Arkell, Managing Director of Arkell’s Brewery, said: “Roger and Emie have put huge effort into every aspect of the pub, and this award is a brilliant and well-deserved recognition of that. We’re incredibly proud to have them running The George at Kempsford. The George is a fantastic place to visit, but it’s the passion and hard work behind the scenes that truly sets it apart.”
Roger added: “It’s great to share some fantastic news, as it has been a challenging time for pubs and the hospitality industry as a whole for several years. Our hard work has paid off and we love running this beautiful little Cotswold pub. A special thank you to our customers for all your fabulous support.”
To book a table, call 01285 810236 or visit thegeorgekempsford.co.uk.
