Take 5… snug weekends away
A stay at a cosy pub or bistro with rooms is the perfect way to bring in spring
Rooms at the inn
Northumbrian delight
Head to the Northumbrian countryside and seek out the village of Blanchland, home to the delightful Lord Crewe Arms, a lovely 21-room pub and hotel. Get a drink from the bar, feast on hearty food and then retire to your room, some of which are converted miners’ cottages. SNUG STAYS Cottages from £149 a night; lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
A taste of heaven
The Methuen Arms in Corsham, Wiltshire, is an award-winning coaching inn run by head chef Leigh Evans. Food is the focus here, with an emphasis on simple-yet-delicious dishes and ingredients often sourced from the garden. Upstairs, there are modern Georgian-style bedrooms for a dreamy night’s sleep.
SNUG STAYS Doubles from £140 a night with breakfast; themethuenarms.com
Best of British
Rest and relaxation are guaranteed at The White Horse Inn, a Grade-ii listed 18th-century gem in the tranquil South Downs National Park. Choose from five cosy rooms in the main house, or go for the versatile garden lodge or converted Gardener’s Cottage. In the pub, dine on hearty breakfasts and British staples, such as potato, leek and Stilton puff pastry pie.
SNUG STAYS Doubles from £130 a night with breakfast; whitehorseinn-sutton.co.uk
Head to the country
As its name suggests, The Mash Inn, Buckinghamshire, is all about indulging in a foodie country stay. This boutique inn offers a range of incredible dishes and, with its two menus aptly named Long or Short, most of the decision making is done for you. Expect to see locally foraged ingredients and cooking on lots of flames. After indulging, head to one of six cosy rooms above this 18th-century pub.
SNUG STAYS Doubles from £110 a night; themashinn.com
Scottish retreat
If you’re heading to Scotland to take in the bracing sea air or for a round of golf at St Andrews, spend the night at The Peat Inn. This 17th-century Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms offers one of Scotland’s top dining experiences. Renowned for its warm welcome and casual elegance, guests can enjoy contemporary cooking in a setting full of character.
SNUG STAYS Doubles from £240pp a night; thepeatinn.co.uk