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7/1/2014 50 best pubs for the British summer | The Times

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19. The Bell at Skenfrith

50 best pubs for the British summer

Tom ChesshyreLast updated at 12:00AM, June 21 2014

Whatever your taste — walking, sightseeing, holidaying or just enjoying thelocal brew — here’s where to go

20 great pubs with rooms, plus where to go for a walk nearby

1. Godolphin Arms, Marazion, CornwallWith a beachside terrace overlooking the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, this pub-with-rooms is in a stunning setting —perfect for walks along the coast and for visits to the castle on St Michael’s Mount (nationaltrust.org.uk). The inn was revampedthis year and has sea view rooms with circular windows that are big enought to curl up in. The bright and breezy restaurant bythe bar has whitewashed walls and retro scoop-shaped chairs; dishes include fish and chips with mushy peas (£10), crabsandwiches (£10) and steak with chips and beárnaise sauce (£17). A pint of Tribute ale is £3.60. Details B&B doubles are from £130, or from £180 for a sea view (01736 888510, godolphinarms.co.uk)Where to walk The wonderful southwest coast path runs west to rugged cliffs from Marazion, east around the curve ofMount’s Bay. At low tide walk out to St Michael’s Mount and the fairy tale castle that surmounts it.Start Marazion Station Car Park OS SW519305 (approximate)

2. The Bull & Swan, Stamford, LincolnshireIn the old market town of Stamford, with its distinctive 17th and 18th-century stone buildings, and not far from the A1, the Bull& Swan is a great choice for a summer stop-off. This inn has seven stylish rooms and it’s next door to the Burghley Estate(burghley.co.uk), so there are many fine walks. After a ramble, enjoy a meal at the inn’s cosy restaurant, which serves dishessuch as crab linguine with chilli sauce, steaks and burgers (about £13 for a main). A pint of Nene Valley Brewery bitter is £3.40. Details B&B doubles are from about £75 (01780 766412, thebullandswan.co.uk)Where to walk Half an hour’s drive north of the lovely mellow stone town of Stamford is Grimsthorpe Park, with a fine solidmansion overlooking a lake and many acres of wooded parkland where you can wander a network of public footpaths.Start Grimsthorpe Castle OS TF044228

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3. The George, Cranbrook, KentCranbrook is considered the capital of the “weald of Kent”, an area of countryside encompassing many villages with cricketgreens and surrounding woodland (visittheweald.co.uk) and delightful old pubs. The George, dating from the 16th century, isone of them. It has a dozen smart rooms, some with exposed beams and one with a four poster. Downstairs you can eat in theupmarket restaurant, where beef with wild mushrooms will set you back £25.95, but there are also £5 bar sandwiches. There’sa sun-trap terrace out front at which to enjoy a pint of Spitfire bitter (£3.79) and the beautiful gardens at Sissinhurst Castle arenearby (nationaltrust.org.uk).Details B&B doubles are from £85 (01580 713348, thegeorgehotelkent.co.uk)Where to walk This corner of the weald is full of woodland walks, especially down in Bedgebury Forest, a 15-minute driveaway with its National Pinetum full of conifers from across the world. You can walk with giants — rooted ones.Start Bedgebury Pinetum OS TQ715332

4. The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold, GloucestershireIn the heart of the honey-coloured Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, Porch House is said to be England’s oldest inn(dating from AD947). It’s got a charming little patio at the back and a bar menu with delicious “small bites” such as Tamworthsausage rolls with tomato chutney, or vegetable and onion pasties (both £4.50), as well as “big bites” such as burgers (£11.50).The public areas and upstairs bedrooms had an unpretentious but stylish makeover last year, with exposed wood floors, beamsand old stone walls kept as features with a neutral colour scheme. Birdland, with its penguins and flamingos, is a 15-minutedrive away (birdland.co.uk). A pint of Brakespear bitter is £3.50.Details B&B doubles are from £99 (01451 870048, porch-house.co.uk)Where to walk Make a circuit of the Slaughters, Upper and Lower, two delectable villages of rich gold Cotswold stone, a ten-minute drive away. Footpaths connect them with the Venice of the Cotswolds — Bourton-on-the-Water and its miniaturebridges and waterways.Start Rissington Road car park, Bourton-on-the-Water OS SP171202

5. The Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge, OxfordshireOn the Thames Path, which runs for 180 miles from the Thames Barrier to Kemble in Gloucestershire (thames-path.org.uk), theTrout is brilliantly placed for lazy summer walks. There’s a vast riverside garden with a lawn and picnic tables, as well as berthsfor up to six boats. The restaurant serves chargrilled Hereford steaks with skinny chips and rocket and chive salad (£22), while abowl of mussels in lemongrass and ginger broth is £6.95. The half-dozen rooms are spacious and in muted colours. It’s a 20-minute drive to Oxford. A pint of Trout Inn best bitter is £3.60.Details B&B doubles are from £130 (01367 870382, trout-inn.co.uk)Where to walk Follow the Thames Path east through beautiful meadows to Chimney Meadows, a nature reserve full of wildflowers.Start at the pub OS SU150763

6. The Cary Arms, Babbacombe, South DevonThe terrace at the Cary overlooks Babbacombe Bay and the beach at Oddicombe, with its old-fashioned furnicular rising up thesteep hill above. There’s a section cordoned off for guests staying in the eight smart rooms of the inn — a popular spot for adrink after a hike along the clifftop paths in the direction of Torquay and back. Seafood and game, steaks and pies are offeredand fresh seafood is bought at the Brixham fish market each day: its much-loved battered fish and chips with crushed mintedpeas and tartare sauce are £13.50. A pint of Otter Ale is £4.Details B&B doubles are from £155 (01803 327110, caryarms.co.uk)Where to walk Cross the fields and take the woodland paths south from Galmpton, half an hour’s drive from the pub, toKingswear on the picturesque estuary of the River Dart; then climb on board the Dart Valley Railway to return to the startbehind a gleaming, snorting steam engine.Start Churston Station, Dart Valley Railway OS SX894562

7. Bel & The Dragon, Cookham, BerkshireJust down the street from the excellent Stanley Spencer Gallery (stanleyspencer.org.uk), this whitewashed pub is close to theThames Path along the river — which Spencer often captured on canvas — as well as Cliveden House (clivedenhouse.co.uk),with its splendid gardens. There are five smart but compact rooms. The head chef Ronnie Kimbugwe was recently senior souschef of Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. Dishes include crab linguini (£16) and shepherd’s pie made of duck and served withsundried tomatos (£9). A pint of Rebellion IPA is £3.10.Details Doubles are from £114 (01628 521263, belandthedragon-cookham.co.uk)Where to walk Two creators influence this bosky corner of the Thames — Stanley Spencer with his idiosyncratic paintings ofhis beloved home town of Cookham, and Kenneth Grahame who set his classic riverside yarn The Wind In The Willows in thewoods and fields along the Thames around Quarry Wood. Footpaths link the various sites.Start at the pub OS SU886850

8. The Ram Inn, Firle, near Lewes, East SussexThis is a great base for South Downs rambles and for visiting nearby Charleston, the country home where the Bloomsbury setused to hang out (charleston.org.uk), and Glyndebourne (glyndebourne.com). The family-friendly Ram has a big garden thatleads on to an orchard. The four rooms are modern, with charcoal grey bed covers, exposed beams and designer lights; one hasa stand-alone bath in the bedroom. Food includes braised pork cheek starters (£7) and main of guinea fowl (£13.75). A pint ofHarveys is £3.50.



Details B&B doubles are from £90 (01273 858222, raminn.co.uk, responsibletravel.com).Where to walk Nearby you’ll find the Bloomsbury set’s farmhouse retreat of Charleston, the rooms and furniture painted byVanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in wild and whirling style. Walk from here up on to the downs behind for a magnificent 20-mileview.Start at the pub OS TQ494067 (approximate)

9. The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market, NorfolkSet in a deer park close to the seaside resort of Cromer, the Gunton is great for beach jaunts and countryside walks. The pub hasa well-regarded restaurant run by head chef Stuart Tattersall, formerly of the Hix Oyster & Chop House in Farringdon, CentralLondon. He uses a wood-fire grill to cook sirloin steaks (£23) and venison sausages served with mash and onion gravy (£14.50),but bar snacks are also available. The pub is in an old flint building and is the brainchild of the art dealer Ivor Braka and hisartist wife Sarah Graham. A pint of Adnams is from £3.20.Details B&B doubles are from £130 (01263 832010, theguntonarms.co.uk)Where to walk From Cromer, a ten-minute drive away from the pub, a cliff-top path — often crumbling and subject todiversions — leads east along the tottering clay cliffs that Victorian holidaymakers knew as “Poppyland”. Fabulous sea and coastviews from here.Start Runton Road Car Park, Cromer OS TG212425

10. The Victoria, Holkham, NorfolkHolkham beach is one of Britain’s most beautiful and part of a national nature reserve, with wide open sand dunes andinteresting birdlife including redshank, tern and oystercatcher. The Victoria is a short walk from the beach on the edge ofHolkham Estate, site of Holkham Hall, a magnificent 18th-century Palladian-style mansion with a first-rate woodland play areafor kids. The Victoria is part of the estate and has ten elegant rooms, including rooms suited to families. There are twodownstairs bars and an airy restaurant that opens on to a terrace. A pint of Adnams is £3.60.Details B&B doubles are from £140 (01328 711008, holkham.co.uk/victoria)Where to walk You can walk from the front door of the Victoria coastward to the beaches and salt marshes for which NorthNorfolk is famous, or inland round the paths of Holkham Hall, with the lakeside mansion as a centrepiece.Start at the pub OS TF892438

11. The Hare & Hounds, Westonbirt, GloucestershireThe Hare & Hounds is adjacent to the Westonbirt National Arboretum (forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt) and just down the roadfrom both Highgrove House and the pleasant market town of Tetbury, with its many antique shops. So there’s plenty to do inthe summer and the pub has a good outdoor seating area with sunshades. Rooms were refurbished a couple of years ago and areof a high standard, with modern art and wide beds. Bar dishes include tiger prawn noodle stir-frys and burgers piled with onionrings, gerkins, bacon and relish (both £13.95). A pint of Jack Harris bitter is £3.40. Details B&B doubles are from £79 (01666 881000, cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk)Where to walk Easy to follow paths make it a pleasure for all the family to stroll the woodland ways of WestonbirtArboretum, a two-minute drive away. A public footpath crosses the arboretum and connects with wider walks around the SouthCotswold countryside.Start Westonbirt Arboretum OS ST852898

12. The White Horse, Chilgrove, West SussexThis fun and friendly 18th-century inn has a big flagstone terrace with an old-fashioned Citroën van in a corner that convertsinto a champagne and oyster kiosk during the summer. The White Horse had a recent rustic-chic makeover with 15 rooms set intwo wings at the back — two of these have hot tubs in private courtyards. The pub is right by the South Downs with lots ofwalking paths. The head chef Austin Gosling has worked at the two -Michelin star Ledbury in Notting Hill, so expect posh pubgrub including salmon rillette with quail egg, chilli salt squid and pan-fried seabream (main courses about £15). It’s a 15-minute drive to Chichester and its renowned cathedral (visitchichester.org). A pint of West Sussex Ballards is £3.80.Details B&B doubles are from £80 (01243 519444, thewhitehorse.co.uk)Where to walk Head up through the woods and down to Stoughton, then round by footpaths along the crest of the SouthDowns. Superb views and crunchy flint tracks all the way.Start at the pub OS SU827145

13. The Wild Rabbit, Kingham, OxfordshireDubbed “Britain’s poshest pub” by some, the Wild Rabbit opened last year — the latest venture by Lady Bamford, who alreadyruns a spa, cookery school and organic food shop in Daylesford, five minutes’ drive away. There’s plenty of outside seating, plusa bar that leads to an airy restaurant with high windows and a menu of organic dishes such as warm smoked salmon and crab(£10 for a starter), and butter nut squash and pumpkin risotto (£13.50 as a main). Blenheim Palace (blenheimpalace.com), thebirthplace of Winston Churchill, is nearby. A pint of Hook Norton bitter is £2.90.Details B&B doubles are from £105 (01608 658389, thewildrabbit.co.uk)Where to walk A little east of Kingham, about a 20-minute drive away, there’s classic Cotswold walking from Charlbury byStonesfield and Fawler, on the edges of ancient Wychwod forest, with wide upland country and lonely spinneys all around.Start Cock Inn, Combe OS SP411159

14. The Talbot Inn, Mells, SomersetJust around corner from Babington House, the rock’n’roll and Hollywood A-lister bolthole, the Talbot is a relaxed inn that’s



perfect for a less expensive but still stylish country break. The eight designer rooms have fixed year-round rates, with nosummer price hike. There’s an outdoor terrace where sandwiches (£8.50) and burgers (£11.50) are served — and Babingtonguests often stop by. There are pretty gardens to explore at the tea rooms across the road, and the grave of Siegfried Sassoon isat the church next door. A pint of Talbot ale is £3.20.Details B&B doubles are from £95 (01373 812254, talbotinn.com)Where to walk You can hardly do better than follow the Mells Village Trail (leaflet guide from the village shop) round thisclassic estate village with its beautiful houses and church full of monuments to the Horner family.Start at the pub OS ST275492

15. The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire

This long-standing favourite is on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors, not far from the pretty market town of Helmsley. Ahandy series of country walks is listed on its website. Parts of the inn date from the 14th century, though the rooms are smartand contemporary, decorated in neutral colours. The restaurant serves solid dishes such as rump of lamb (£22.95) and a“celebration of Yorkshire beef” that includes oxtail, fillet and cheek cuts (£28). Bar snacks are also available. A pint of BlackSheep ale is £3.30.Details B&B doubles are from £150 (01439 770397, thestaratharome.co.uk)Where to walk The Cleveland Way starts at Helmsley, a five-minute drive away, so just follow this well-waymarked long-distance trail up the valley to the graceful and poignant ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.Start Cleveland Way Car Park, OS SE609838

16. Drunken Duck, near Ambleside, Cumbria

There are wonderful Lake District fell views from the Drunken Duck, which is set in 60 acres of private land in between LakeWindermere and Coniston Water. This pub is a perfect base for walkers and there’s a lovely pub garden complete with a tarnwith ducks, coots and moorhens — ideal for relaxing the legs after a long day’s tramping about in the hills. Rooms have a mix ofmodern and antique furnishings, and the Garden Room comes with a private terrace. Food is good value: £5 soups andploughman’s lunch for £7. Ambleside, with its many cafés, pubs and restaurrants, is a ten-minutt drive. A pint of Cracker bitteris £3.50.Details B&B doubles are from £105 (015394 36347, drunkenduckinn.co.uk)Where to walk From William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage at Grasmere, a ten-minute drive away, a beautifulfellside path leads over to Rydal Mount where they lived when Wordsworth was in the full flush of his fame. Classic Lakelandviews all the way.Start Red Bank Road Car Park, Grasmere OS NY335073

17. The George, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight This 18th-century inn — more like a boutique hotel with a fine dining restaurant these days — has sea views and makes a greatplace to while away lazy summer days (with a drink close at hand). It has recently changed ownership with Michelin-starredchef Robert Thompson coming in to oversee the food — he was previously at the Hambrough in Ventnor (on the other side of theisland). The current menu includes grilled mackeral (£14) and citrus-cured sea trout salad (£15). The 19 rooms are bright, airyand elegantly decorated. Sealife (visitsealife.com), with its sharks, turtles and seals, makes a good family day out. A pint ofGoddards Ale of Wight in the George’s garden bar is £4.Details B&B doubles are from £190 (01983 760331, thegeorge.co.uk)Where to walk There are fine walks along the north-facing shores , looking over the narrows of the Solent to Lymington andthe coastal edge of the New Forest.You could also try the short stroll inland along the estuary.Start at the pub OS SZ354898

18. Browns Hotel, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire

As celebrations of the centenary of Dylan Thomas’ birth continue in Laugharne, where the poet lived during his final years,what better place for his fans to go than his favourite pub? The bar at Browns has faded black and white pictures of Thomas onthe walls and still attracts locals and tourists, who have over the years included Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger and PeterO’Toole. It’s a short walk to the Boathouse (www.dylanthomasboathouse.com), where the poet lived, and there are nearbybeaches to explore. A pint of Browns Hotel ale is £3.10.Details B&B doubles are from £95 (01994 427688, browns-hotel.co.uk)Where to walk In Thomas’s centenary year everyone who comes toLaugharne wants to do the Thomas Trail through thescenes of his life here in the Thirties and Forties. You can get away from the crowds along the cliff path over Sir John’s Hill, oneof Thomas’s favourite walks and the subject of several poems. Start Church Car Park OS SN301114

19. The Bell at Skenfrith, Monmouthshire

Enjoy long winding walks in the rolling countryside near the Bell — detailed maps showing several circular routes are availablefrom reception. This former coaching inn dates from the 17th century and has a big garden with picnic tables at the back. It’s onthe edge of the tiny village of Skenfrith, next to the River Monnow. The restaurant serves hearty dishes in a relaxed atmosphere:burgers with tomato chilli jam (£12.95), fish pies with buttered leeks and mash (£13.95) and sirloin steaks with salad (£18.95).It’s about a 15-minute drive to Monmouth, with its ancient castle. A pint of HPA ale is £3.20.Details B&B doubles are from £110 (01600 750235, skenfrith.co.uk)Where to walk The Three Castles Way passes through Skenfrith, with its ruined castle of solid red stone. Take a hike alongthe way as far as you like — if you’re feeling very energetic you could tackle the whole 18-mile circuit by way of Grosmont andWhite Castle.



Start at the pub OS SO454204

20. The Old Inn, Carbost, Isle of Skye

Overlooking Loch Harport, this is a charming, good-value inn with rooms in the main lodge (starting at £76 B&B) and separatefamily chalets (£130 a night for four people). There’s a terrace overlooking the water, where food can be served including oystersfrom the loch — six for £8.50 or a dozen for £15 — as well as Highland sirloin steaks with chips (£16.50) and salmon with babypotatoes and fine beans (£12.50). Carbost is home to the Talisker single malt distillery (discovering-distilleries.com/talisker).Drams are served at the inn and a pint of Black Face ale is £3.30.Details B&B doubles are from £76 (01478 640205, theoldinnskye.co.uk)Where to walk With the majestic dark gabbro peaks of the Cuillin Hills just down the coast, about a 15-minute drive away,you wouldn’t want to look anywhere else. These famed and fabulous mountains appear forbidding, but there are plenty of pathsthrough the lower Cuillins for those who don’t want to dangle from a rope.Start Fairy Pools Car Park, Glenbrittle OS NG424258

10 great pubs in the city

21. The Scran & Scallie, Edinburgh

This cosy and buzzing gastropub is backed by top the Edinburgh chef and TV regular Tom Kitchin. There’s a Scots-meets-Scandi interior with distressed furnishings, exposed original brick and tartan and tweeds. Enjoy a Scottish-brewed beer andsome crispy pigs ears in the bar or squat lobster ravioli and asparagus in the rustic but refined dining room. Details 0131 332 6281; scranandscallie.com

22. The Broad Chare, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne

This smart gastropub has a thoroughly British pedigree. The northeast culinary legend Terry Laybourne is the brains behind anoperation that offers two dining options. The list of snacks at the polished oak ground-floor bar includes a pie of hand-raisedpork to accompany the pub’s own Writer’s Block bitter, while in the smart but comfortable upstairs dining room that’s kittedout with button-back red leather banquettes, scrubbed wood floor and wooden tables and chairs there’s everything from localcrab on toast to mutton masala.Details 0191 211 2144; thebroadchare.co.uk

23. The Kensington Arms, Redland, Bristol

Set in the suburb of affluent Redlan, this understatedly stylish gastropub with open fire and feature wall festooned with ajumble of closely hung artwork is a Sunday lunch hot spot for the well-heeled locals, who feast on roast sirloin of Dorset beefwith all the trimmings. In good weather, sip a pint of cask ale on the attractive outdoor terrace.Details 0117 944 6444; thekensingtonarms.co.uk

24. The Bull and Last, North London

Wear the kids out on Hampstead Heath, then head to this grade II listed pub where they welcome families (and dogs). Service iswarm and inviting and there’s something for everyone on a menu that includes child-friendly beer-battered haddock and chipsto a sophisticated starter of pig cheek with watermelon pickle, basil and sesame.Details 020 7267 3641; thebullandlast.co.uk

25. The Cross Keys, Leeds

There’s a reassuringly traditional feel to this award-winning city centre gastropub with lots of exposed brick, wood beams andwooden floor. But they take a pleasingly modern approach to food and drink, with dishes such as ham hock terrine with appleand red onion chutney and an extensive globe-trotting list of bottled beers to supplement the ever-changing selection of locallybrewed hand-pulled ales. Details 0113 243 3711; the-crosskeys.com

26. Rose Villa Tavern, Birmingham

This century-old Jewelery quarter boozer is bursting with character, from the huge stained-glass windows and old-fashionedred telephone box to the inventive cocktail list and friendly staff. The American diner-style menu dials in to the current dude-food fad with buttermilk fried chicken and chili cheese fries. Details 0121 236 7910; therosevillatavern.co.uk

27. The Oxnoble, Castlefield, Manchester

This handsome early 19th-century city-centre pub, situated opposite the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, gets itunusual name from an extinct variety of potato. Current strains of the veg get served as chunky chips with the Ultimate OxBurge,’ made with a pork and chorizo pattie in the smartly modern dining room. An extensive list of malt whiskies is served inthe more traditional bar.Details 0161 839 7760; theox.co.uk

28. The Conway, Pontcanna, Cardiff



Wales’s only entry in the Michelin pub guide is this modern gastropub tucked away in the suburb of Pontcanna. Order at thebusy bar from a daily changing blackboard selection of European-inspired dishes made using local ingredients such as grilledpork ribeye, with chorizo slaw and chilli butter.Details 02920 224 373; knifeandforkfood.co.uk

29. 3 Crowns, East London

This is the quintessential modern gastropub, with a roomy bar where you can enjoy London-brewed beers. There’s a handsomewood-panelled dining area with an open kitchen where a thre- course lunch of beautifully cooked hearty food costs less than£20. The 3 Crowns is a real bargain, but its also the real deal. Some day, all gastropubs will be made this way. Details 0207 842 8516; the3crowns.co.uk

30. The Monro, Liverpool

The Monro brings a splash of designer elegance to the city centre with wrought-iron chandeliers, bold floral wallpaper andtasteful colour scheme. There’s a warm welcome behind the bar (as well as hand-pulled ales), a well-priced wine list, top-notchsteaks and a charming beer garden for when the weather’s good. Details 0151 707 9933; themonro.com

10 great pubs with gardens

31. Red Lion, East Chisenbury, Wiltshire

The pub has three chefs who trained at Michelin-starred restaurants, and the owners Guy and Brittany Manning keep chickensand pigs and cultivate fruit and vegetables for a modern European menu. Dining in the beautiful secluded gardens, surroundedby oak trees, is one of summer’s great pleasures. Leave room for exceptional desserts such as carrot sponge with cream cheeseice cream, candied baby carrot, raisin coulis and walnuts.Details 01980 671124; redlionfreehouse.com

32. The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach, Gloucestershire Set in a charming Cotswold village, this contemporary inn is a real hidden gem with polished wood floors, rugs and an openfireplace. However, the place to be is the spacious, manicured gardens with their colourful beds of flowers and shrubs. Thefood, made with local seasonal produce of course, couldn’t be more appealing — try the ever-popular devilled kidneys followedby a rump of Cotswold lamb with borlotti beans, tomato, green beans and gremolata.Details 01451 860244; cotswoldswheatsheaf.com

33. The Hardwick, Abergavenny, Wales

Make the most of the stunning Monmouthshire countryside setting and dine al fresco on the terrace, which has stunning viewsof the Brecon Beacons. Or try the courtyard that overlooks this pub’s neat, pretty gardens. The celebrity chef Stephen Terry’smenu offers an extraordinary amount of choice: confit duck and liver hash with fried egg and pomegranate, celeriac and truffleoil might be one of a dozen starters.Details 01873 854220; thehardwick.co.uk

34. The Pot Kiln, Yattendon, Berkshire

The attractive walled gardens complete with wood-burning oven at this traditional English pub offer wonderful views of rollingBerkshire countryside. The chef and owner Mike Robinson shoots game for his seasonal menus. His speciality is muntjacvenison transformed into a ragu and served with rosemary-scented tagliatelle and aged parmesan.Details 01635 201366; potkiln.org

35. The Pipe and Glass, South Dalton, Yorkshire

Set in the estate village of South Dalton, there are gorgeous views of the Wolds from the extensive wooded grounds of thisMichelin-starred 15th-century rural pub. Formerly of the Star Inn at Harome, the chef James Mackenzie uses some of theoutside space to grow his own ingredients for dishes such as goat’s cheese with beetroot, watercress and candied walnuts, portand juniper dressing. Families are well-served here. Children have plenty of space to run around in before they return for amenu featuring fish pie and hand-made sausages. Details 01430 810246; pipeandglass.co.uk

36. The Church Green, Lymm, Cheshire The large decked area in the pretty gardens of celeb chef Aiden Byrne’s sophisticated gastropub is the ideal spot in which toenjoy a relaxed traditional Sunday lunch or a signature burger topped with pan-fried foie gras and duck egg. Head inside to thesmart but relaxed dining room to experience the extended eight-course tasting menu.Details 01925 752068; aidenbyrne.co.uk

37. The Five Bells, Clyst Hydon, Devon

Tucked away in a village ten miles from Exeter, surrounded by stunning countryside, this 16th-century thatched-roof convertedfarmhouse is a little slice of gastropub heaven. The large beer garden is a riot of colour in the summer, with countless flowers inbloom. There are plenty of tables, with pretty red umbrellas to shade you while you enjoy local produce in dishes such as fillet of



brill with Brixham crab, Cornish new potatoes and smoked roe dressing.

Details 01884 277288; fivebells.uk.com

38. The Butchers Arms, Woolhope, Herefordshire

That legend of 1980s modern British cooking Stephen Bull has returned to the kitchen at this delightful 16th-century timber-

framed village pub. A stream runs through the large, attractive garden at the back of the pub where you can enjoy Bull classics

such as twice-baked Stilton soufflé with apple and walnut salad.

Details 01432 860281; butchersarmswoolhope.com

39. The Pony & Trap, Chew Magna, Bristol The chef and owner Josh Eggerton has held a Michelin star here since 2011 for his stellar cooking. But you don’t have to indulge

in a seven-course tasting menu. Enjoy a pint of West Country Butcombe bitter on the terrace or in the beer garden that has

uninterrupted, breathtaking views of glorious countryside.

Details 01275 332 627; theponyandtrap.co.uk

40. The Alford Arms, Frithsden, Hertfordshire This stylishly modernised rural pub retains its essential traditional character and is set in a wooded valley with a buzzing beer

garden overlooking the village green, a great spot for the kids to run off their lemonades in. Pub classics including Sunday roast

are supplemented by inventive globe-trotting dishes such as oriental local rabbit spring roll and tikka spiced free-range chicken

breast with lentil dhal.

Details 01442 86 44 80; alfordarmsfrithsden.co.uk

10 great pubs by the sea

41. The Ship Inn, Mousehole, Cornwall A front-row placing on the harbour in the tiny fishing village of Mousehole makes this cosy pub the perfect place for a Cornish

pint. In bad weather you can sit inside at a window seat and still see the fishing boats bobbing on the water, while the waves

crash behind the harbour wall. The pub also has eight rooms.

Details 01736 731234; shipinnmousehole.co.uk

42. The Masons Arms, Branscombe, East DevonA ten-minute stroll to the beach, this quaint thatched inn lies in one of England’s prettiest villages and is an ideal base from

which to explore the coastal paths of Devon’s spectacular Jurassic Coast. Inside you’ll find low-beamed ceilings, whitewashed

walls and a cosy log fireplace. The kitchen serves local Dartmoor produce and the bar is stocked with six locally brewed bitters

and a wide selection of good wines.

Details 01297 680300; masonsarms.co.uk

43. The Sportsman, Whitstable, Kent Chef Stephen Harris boils down seawater to make his own salt, churns his own butter and hangs his own hams. Serious foodies

flock to this unassuming pub for the tasting menu, which might include braised brill fillet with a smoked herring roe sauce.

Literally a stone’s throw from the water’s edge on the pebbled Seasalter beach, which is ideal for young children for its shallow

water.

Details 01227 273370; thesportsmanseasalter.co.uk

44. The Anchor, Walberswick, SuffolkThe coastal Suffolk village of Walberswick is famously a bolt hole for Britain’s media and fashion industry types. However, mere

mortals can enjoy this charming inn too and with two outdoor terraces and an enclosed garden leading directly to the beach, it’s

made for families. Seafood lovers will appreciate West Mersea oysters served with red onion and Banyuls vinegar.

Details 01502 722112; anchoratwalberswick.com

45. Griffin Inn, Dale, Pembrokeshire This handsome white-painted pub occupies a cracking spot overlooking Dale Bay on the Pembrokeshire coastal path with the

beautiful beach of Marloes Sands near by. There are real Welsh ales and waterfront dining in the form of simply treated, fresh

local seafood including turbot, John Dory and lobster.

Details 01646 636227; griffininndale.co.uk

46. The Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland Set bang on Northumberand’s beguilingly rugged coast line, the Ship overlooks Newton Haven’s sandy beach. All the pub’s real

ale (16 varieties) is brewed on site and many of the ingredients for the menu of simple but well-prepared dishes, such as whole

mackerel stuffed with home-made pesto, are sourced locally.

Details 01665 576262; shipinnnewton.co.uk

47. The Old Inn, Wester Ross, Gairloch



This ancient West Highland drovers inn overlooks Gairloch harbour on the west coast of Scotland, a popular spot for whale

watching while inside its all-stone walls, open fires and traditional decor. The simple food focuses on local seafood and game,

while some of the pubs real ale is produced in its own on-site microbrewery.

Details 01445 712006; theoldinn.net

48. The Cricket Inn, Kingsbridge, South DevonThe Cricket Inn might just have one of the most stunning coastal pub locations in the country, on the golden sands and blue

waters of Start Bay. Its also on the South West Coast Path, making it the ideal stopping place for walkers who no doubt

appreciate the local crab sarnies and hand-pulled local ales.

Details 01548 580215; thecricketinn.com

49. Saltwater Brig, Kircubbin, County Down What could be a better way to enjoy County Down’s particular attractions than to sup an al fresco pint or two in the garden of

this quaint pub overlooking Strangford Lough with views of the Mourne Mountains beyond. If the weather’s not co-operating,

retire to the cosy snug with its stone-built walls and open fire for a plate of beer-battered prawns from nearby Portavogie.

Details 028 42738435; saltwaterbrig.com

50. Anchor Inn, Morston, Norfolk This charming pub in the seaside village of Morston, popular with yachtsmen and birdwatchers, was given a sensitive

refurbishment when it was taken over by youthful entrepreneurs and schoolboy chums Harry Farrow and Rowan Glennie a few

years ago. It is now rustically replete with tongue-and-groove, wood-burning stove and cast-iron furniture. A daily changing

menu makes the most of the local bounty, including Morston oysters, Norfolk chicken and Holkham venison.

Details 01263 741392; www.morstonanchor.co.uk

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Newest | Oldest | Most Recommended

Martin Pooley

Ruth Redd

Sebastian Cargutt

JPUK

geoff williams

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The building may be "England's oldest inn", but it has only recently become 'The Porch House'. When we lived nearStow-on-the-Wold (we moved in 2013) it was under another name but, sadly, I can't remember what it was.

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The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh will be on my list to visit on my next visit in September. There are so manyfantastic places to eat and drink in the city and they are hidden away-maybe in a basement or a three storey house. Ilove the fish and chip shop near John Lewis that has a DJ on a Friday night!

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Michelin starred pub? An oxymoron if ever I saw one.

1 Recommend Reply

Sheffield/Yorkshire pubs make it into the NY Times list for 2014 but not this list - shamefulhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-25713910

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I know these lists are subjective but The Pandora Inn at Restronguet near Falmouth has to feature on any list. On theriver, great food and beer, multiple award winner and groovy jazz bands in the summer. Nice.

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9 days ago

9 days ago

9 days ago

John Hatch

Andrew Barlow

Ken Broadbent

The Trout Inn in Oxford?!On reflection, however, it occurred to me that this may be just the place for the sort of people whom the Editor of theTimes seems to want as his readership.

2 Recommend Reply

5 days agoH Pugh

Just wish you could read- the recommendation is for the Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge in OXFORDSHIRE notthe Trout at Oxford which is not in the same league!T

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5 days agoJohn Hatch

@H Pugh H Pugh is correct that I misread the Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge, just South of Bampton, for the TroutInn at Godstow Bridge in Wolvercote, North Oxford.That said, the Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge is more of a(n expensive) restaurant with six expensiverooms attached rather than a typical pub.However, I suppose that for a London journalist out on expenses, a walk by the river, followed by apint of real ale in the presence of a couple of token locals, makes for an ideal pub if the pint isfollowed by fine dining and wine, a deux, and a boutique double room for the night for around £250.I should imagine the token locals arrive after their tea, and go home to their own beds.

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A map showing locations would have been useful

2 Recommend Reply

Not one in Lancashire. That's sad.

3 Recommend Reply

9 days agoThink before you Drink before you Post

@Ken Broadbent Nor hampshire. Nor Dorset. We had a great day yesterday cycling from home via the High Corner Inn to the Royal Oak at Fritham. Ifyou've any clue about what I'm talking about, you'll already know the High Corner Inn is meh (but a greatlocation) and you'll already know that the Royal Oak at Fritham, ought to be on anyone's list of summerpubs. You do wonder what these lists are for. If a pub is close enough to visit, you've probably heard of it.

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9 days agoJohn Hatch

@Think before you Drink before you Post The Royal Oak at Fritham, eh?It's always useful to be warned about pubs frequented by cyclists.

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