A pub has been named the best town pub in the UK just two years after reopening.
Dr Foster in Gloucester Docks, run by ART Hospitality, took home the Best Town Pub title at the Great British Pub Awards 2026.
ART Hospitality is the group behind Worcester’s popular Burger Shop and Maneki Ramen, both in the city’s railway arches.
The team collected the award in Leeds at the First Direct Bank Arena on Wednesday, September 23.
Ross Welsh, general manager of Dr Foster, said: “Everyone has put so much energy into making Dr Foster a welcoming pub where people can enjoy great food, drinks and time together.
“To have that work recognised nationally is very special.
“We want to thank every member of the team and every customer who has supported us.
“This award belongs to all of them.”
Dr Foster reopened in 2024 and was formerly known as Dr Foster’s Waterside Bar & Restaurant.
The team refurbished the building inside and out, restoring the historic Kimberley Warehouse to its former glory.
The pub now features a cosy bar, waterfront conservatory, courtyard, quayside seating and upstairs dining and event spaces.
It offers breakfasts, pub classics, steaks cooked over coals and Sunday roasts, along with waterside drinks and spaces for celebrations and private events.
Dorian Kirk, founder and operations director of ART Hospitality, credited the win to the dedication of the Dr Foster team and the support of the local community.
Mr Kirk said: “Ross, Liam, Josef and everyone at Dr Foster deserve the recognition.
“They are the people welcoming our customers, improving the experience and bringing the pub to life every day.
“We are also incredibly grateful to the people of Gloucester.
“They have supported Dr Foster, told us what they love, challenged us to improve and helped the pub become part of the city again.”
He added: “We want to keep improving Dr Foster and build a pub that Gloucester can be genuinely proud of for many years to come.”
ART Hospitality is an independent chef-led group founded in Hereford following a series of supper clubs in 2013.
The group now operates seven restaurants across Worcester, Hereford, Gloucester and Birmingham alongside an events business.
Its brands include The Bookshop, Leaven Pizza, The Yard and DISH by ART.
Dr Foster is within easy reach of Worcester diners, with direct trains from Worcester Shrub Hill to Gloucester taking around 35 minutes, followed by an onward walk to the waterfront.