When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing like a hearty meal in a cosy pub. If you’re looking for a little getaway with friends, family, or your other half, why not plan to visit some out of the way place with a top notch pub? Pack your wellies, go for a muddy walk and then snuggle up in front of a fireplace with some classic comfort food. Here are some off-the-beaten-path pubs that will deliver just that:
For the foodie: The Pear Tree Inn
This pub in Wiltshire is run by the legendary Marco Pierre White. The low ceilinged old house is the perfect setting for some breathtaking food, and you won’t be disappointed if you book a special occasion dinner here. Famous for its phenomenal steaks, this is the place for anyone who has worked up a serious appetite in the cold. Our Devizes hotel isn’t far from some of the best winter pub food in the country.
For the walker: The Tower Bank Arms
The Lake District is prime walking territory and Near Sawrey is a tiny village right in the middle of it all. The Tower Bank Arms is a huge favourite with locals and visitors alike, with its big fireplaces, crooked ceilings, and excellent food. Just make sure you go on your walk first, because if you start at the pub, you might decide you never want to leave. Our Kendal hotel is the ideal place to base yourself for a Lake District walking weekend.
For the romantic: Blue Anchor Inn
This Welsh cottage pub is as cute as a button, with ridiculously low ceilings and ridiculously thick stone walls. It’s also one of the oldest pubs in Wales, dating back to 1380. There are lots of little alcoves and fireplaces, and it’s the perfect place to hide away with a lover and feel the romance brew with the beer. Best of all, it’s less than 10 minutes drive from our Cardiff Airport hotel, so you can enjoy all of the delights of Cardiff city, as well as visiting a real Welsh hidden gem.
For the historian: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
This pub in the Hertfordshire countryside is one of several that claim to be the oldest in Britain. But whether it really wins the title or not, you can be sure this establishment has an impressively far-reaching history. Stories you might hear include the rumour that Oliver Cromwell slept here for one night during the Civil War, and that there are buried tunnels stretching from the Abbey to the beer cellars that the monks used to use. Stay in our Hatfield Central hotel to be a short distance from many exciting tall tales.
For the design fan: The Guildford Arms
If you think what a pub looks like is as important as what it serves, you’ll love The Guildford Arms in Edinburgh. The spectacular Victorian interior is quite a contrast to your average local, but if you’re looking for somewhere to lure you into some revelry and cheer you up in this cold winter weather, this is the place for you. Book to stay in one of our Edinburgh hotels for the chance to visit one of the most extravagant looking pubs around.
