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York’s Best Pub 2026: The Drovers Arms, Skipwith

One of our favourite restaurants and country pubs in Yorkshire, The Drovers Arms, Skipwith, has been named York’s Best Pub at the YorkMix Choice Awards 2026, voted by the public.

The winners across 20 categories were announced at a ceremony at The Milner York hotel at the end of October, celebrating the businesses that make York and its surrounding villages such a great place to live and visit. The Drovers came out on top in a very competitive Best Pub category, beating pubs across York and the surrounding area.

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Located in the village of Skipwith, just ten miles south of York and close to Skipwith Common, The Drovers Arms is a destination country pub combining relaxed Yorkshire hospitality with an elevated yet classic proper pub menu.

Its menus feature locally sourced ingredients, working with suppliers including Cryer & Stott, Yorkshire Dales Meat, Fowlers of York and Burgess of Beverley. Whether you’re visiting for a leisurely lunch, dinner with friends or a weekend treat, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Drovers arms interior shot wise copy

Owned by Yorkshire hospitality operators Graham Usher and Matthew Rose of MATTGRAY Hospitality, The Drovers Arms has been in their care for more than a decade. In 2024, the pair invested £150,000 in a refurbishment, creating the welcoming country dining destination it is today.

Graham Usher, Managing Director of MATTGRAY Hospitality, said: “This one means a lot because it was our guests who voted for it.

“The team work incredibly hard, day in and day out, to give people a proper warm welcome and food they’ll come back for, so to see that recognised by people right across York is brilliant. It’s a lovely way to head into our busiest time of year, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in for Christmas.”

The win arrives just in time for the festive season, with The Drovers launching its festive fixed-price menu on 25 November. So, if you’re looking for a country pub near York serving quality seasonal food, The Drovers Arms is well worth adding to your list.