Lancashire restaurant named best in UK & another's not far behind!
A Lancashire restaurant has been named the best in the UK by a prestigious poll - and a second isn’t far behind it!
Moor Hall in Aughton says it is “delighted” to have been voted the UK’s number one restaurant in the 2026 Hardens National Diners Poll.
The Harden's Top 100 is an annual list of the best restaurants in the UK, compiled by the independent restaurant guide Harden and based on feedback from a survey of regular diners.
In the top spot for the poll’s 35th year is Mark Birchall’s revamped Grade II 13th century manor house, which previously placed at number 74 last year.
Chef-patron Mark said: “I’m honoured that Moor Hall has been awarded the No. 1 spot in this year’s Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurants list. This has already been a landmark year for us, and I’m delighted to see the team’s dedication recognised once again. Our success is driven by the talent, consistency and commitment of everyone who contributes to the experience at Moor Hall. It’s a wonderful acknowledgement of their hard work and passion, and we’re proud to share this achievement with everyone who dines with us.”
Harden’s Top 100 noted that feedback from diners hailed Moor Hall as “not just a meal, it’s an experience” and one that is “superb from beginning to end”, adding that practically all reports acknowledge the food as “faultless in every way” and “all simply pitch perfect”.
Peter Harden, guide editor and co-founder of Harden’s, said: “Moor Hall has been a recurring name in the Harden’s Top 100 UK Restaurant’s list for many years now – a testament to the high quality of the food, service and location. It’s wonderful to see Mark and his talented team reach this year’s pole position and, whilst diners who took part in our national survey did often flag the higher price point, it appears to be a venue regarded as well worth it, albeit for a rare treat.”
Not far behind Moor Hall however is another Lancashire venue as Northcote in Lango was also named the 13th best in the country, up from rank 33 last year.
The East Lancashire restaurant joins Moor Hall as well as Aughton’s So-lo (rank 86) as one of only 10 North West restaurants to feature in the list.
Northcote and Moor Hall’s success also comes just weeks after their inclusion in La Liste 2026, a global guide of 1000 eateries which calls itself “the world’s most selective guide for discerning gourmets and travelers”.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, chef patron-director at Northcote said: “Being named in the Harden’s Top 100, so soon after our placement in La Liste, means so much to everyone at Northcote. Recognition like this is never taken for granted. And I always say this, but it's a testament to the hard work, care and graft our team puts in every single day. From the kitchen to the front-of-house and everyone behind the scenes who makes Northcote what it is.
"They turn up each day with passion and heart, that’s what guests feel when they come through our doors. To have that recognised on both a national and international level is something that genuinely makes me so proud.
"We’ve got plenty of exciting things ahead, but moments like this remind us why we do what we do. It gives us all a boost to keep pushing, keep improving and keep giving people the warm, memorable Northcote experience they come back for time and again.”