Northumberland pub and chef shortlisted for awards

The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest and its head chef, Connor Wilson (middle), are up for separate accolades at The Staff Canteen Awards 2026 <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest and its head chef, Connor Wilson (middle), are up for separate accolades at The Staff Canteen Awards 2026 (Image: Supplied)
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AN award-winning Northumberland pub and its head chef are in the running for two more accolades following a string of recent successes.

The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman's Rest, in Slaggyford, has been nominated for Gastropub of the Year at The Staff Canteen Awards 2026.

Head chef Connor Wilson is also in the running for the One to Watch award, which recognises rising figures from across the hospitality industry.

Wilson has been at the Kirkstyle since it reopened in 2023 and helped design its kitchen before recruiting and building the team.

The Staff Canteen called him a "master of his craft" and praised his commitment to Northumberland, sustainability, and developing the pub's menus.

The latest nominations continue a successful run for the Kirkstyle, which was named Best Pub for Food at the Great British Pub Awards in September.

It has also recently been shortlisted for Pub of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards 2027.

The Kirkstyle said it was "absolutely delighted" by its latest nominations and urged customers to support both entries.

Voting for The Staff Canteen Awards closes on November 2, with four finalists in each category due to be announced on November 10.

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