Britain’s most blissful country pubs
20 blissful country pubs you MUST visit
THE NOAH’S ARK LURGASHALL, PETWORTH, SUSSEX GU28 9ET In an idyllic setting — beside a village pond, overlooking a cricket green — the ark (pictured) restores faith in the future of the country pub. In the present owners’ hands, the old village boozer has become a place of charm, from bar to cosy dining areas, with beams, open f i res, traditional country furniture and a sprinkling of modern leather.
The kitchen’s insistence on good- quality (local, seasonal) produce results in a roll-call of British dishes. a cottagey garden and picnic tables complete the pleasing package. no meals on Sunday evenings ( 01428 707 346,
noahsarkinn.co.uk). WHERE TO STAY: Roundhurst is a 17th-century threshing barn on a small farm, a stunning B&B l ost i n deep country. From £ 120
per night for a double room ( 01428 642 535,
thebarnatroundhurst.com).
WHAT’S NEARBY? If you can tear yourself away from the outdoor theatre and comedy nights at The noah’s ark, there’s walking on national Trust land at Blackdown, or for four-wheeled fun, head to Goodwood, near Chichester.
THE GOODMANHAM ARMS
GOODMANHAM, MARKET WEIGHTON, YORKSHIRE YO43 3JA In The middle of a village of whitewashed cottages, in yet-to-be-discovered ‘hockneyshire’, is a simple red brick pub. Built in the 1800s, it’s handsome enough, with a pantile roof and a beer garden at the back.
Inside is another story. enter a wood-clad wonder of old settles and wheel-back chairs, ticking clocks, roaring fires and all hallows ales behind the bar.
Owners abbie and Vito Loggozi have a craft brewery out the back and guest beers that rotate weekly.
In one of three linking rooms is a magnificent range on which they do the cooking. Old-fashioned and timeless, their welcome is second to none ( 01430 873 849,
goodmanham arms.co.uk). WHERE TO STAY: estate escapes self-catering cottages close by in hotham. From £350 for a
two-night stay, sleeping four people ( 07770
793 370, estateescapes.co.uk). WHAT’S NEARBY? Take a day trip to York to
see the dungeons ( 01904 632 599, thedungeons.
com) or walk the Yorkshire Wolds.
THE JOLLY SAILORS
BRANCASTER STAITHE, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK PE31 8BJ Owners Cliff and James nye have revived a 200-year-old coastal treasure. ‘eat, Drink and be Jolly’ says it all: not only is this a community boozer geared to locals and families, it also attracts those who flock to Brancaster’s beach.
In the classic bar, replete with beams, tiled floor, settles and a wood-burner that pumps out the heat when it’s chilly outside, adults can enjoy pints of Brancaster ales, while children can watch pizzas being baked in the open-to-view oven.
Hearty traditional dishes using fresh local produce include mussels cooked in wine, onion, garlic and cream; lamb and mint pie; and good ol’ fish and chips ( 01485 210 314, jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk).
WHERE TO STAY: The white Horse, sister pub to The Jolly sailors, is a smart little inn down the road, with views to scolt Head Island. Doubles from £100 per night ( 01485 210262, whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk).
WHAT’S NEARBY? Chill out on Brancaster beach or walk a stretch of the 47-mile norfolk Coast Footpath.
Y TALBOT
TREGARON, CEREDIGION SY25 6JL In The centre of tiny Tregaron, the crisply Georgian frontage of Y Talbot makes a big impression, part modern-rustic drovers’ inn and part old-fashioned hotel.
I nside t he i nn i s an enormous inglenook with bread oven, slate floors and thick walls gleaming with hanging brass and copper. You dine in what was once the stable, with oak furniture and soapstone sculptures.
Friendly owners Mick and nia will point you towards the best rambles, while head chef Dafydd watkin cooks a mean Cambrian lamb shoulder and works wonders with fresh fish. All this and local tipples such as Purple Moose and Mantle from the latest micro brewery on the block ( 01974 298 208, ytalbot.com).
WHERE TO STAY: The hotel at Y Talbot is all white corridors and glass doors with comfortable rooms and big smart bathrooms. From £90 per night.
WHAT’S NEARBY? Visit the Cambrian Mountains for biking and hiking or drive to Ceredigion’s stunning coastline.
THE RAT INN
ANICK, HEXHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND NE46 4LN TuCkeD into the hillside, overlooking the Tyne Valley, this hard-to-find old drovers’ inn has an irresistible appeal.
The bar is cosy, with gleaming dark oak, flagged floor and roaring fire. sup a pint of something local while you decide what to eat. Those who have yomped heartily to get here may be hungry: roast northumberland rib of beef with watercress and golden chips for two is delicious.
The sun room has grand views of the spectacular valley, and on warm days you can spill out into the pretty little garden ( 01434 602 814, theratinn.com).
WHERE TO STAY: Peartree Cottage, a 200year-old cottage in the owner’s garden in sandhoe. From £575 per week, sleeps six. ( 01434 608 072, peartreecottage.com).
WHAT’S NEARBY? For days out, Hexham Abbey, Corbridge and Hadrian’s wall.
THE LAMB INN
SANDFORD, CREDITON, DEVON EX17 4LW AnIMAl paintings brighten the bar, the chef is passionate about provenance and the resident dogs, Bob and Tiny, wag their tails in delight. The old posting inn is the hub of the village. There are three open fires in chilly weather, tankards filled with roses and, upstairs, a window seat that looks out onto the village.
A menu of award-winning dishes ranges from a platter of west Country cheeses to poached salmon with pea puree or haunch of venison with roasted celeriac. round it all off with spiced poached pear and salted caramel mousse ( 01363 773
676, lambinnsandford.co.uk).
WHERE TO STAY: upstairs, seven rooms have a chic country style. Two have baths in the room and the suite has a private terrace. Doubles from £69 per night.
WHAT’S NEARBY? Head to Dartmoor national Park or visit exeter with its shops and cathedral.
THE SHEPPEY INN
LOWER GODNEY, GLASSTONBURY, SOMERSET BA5 1RZ A FUNKY country pub, one of the best in the west and winner Award for its community mindedness.
Its exterior gives no within. low-beamed ceilings in the bar, high white walls in cute booths, Davi Fifties retro furniture the odd guitar
waiting to be played. Music matters here: fantastic jazz, blues and funk bubbles away nicely, while a small stage hosts the odd travelling band.
Local ales, ciders and lovely wines all wait, as does super food. In summer, life decants onto a small terrace above a tiny river, with fields stretching out beyond. note that the i nn i s closed f rom 3-5pm, Monday-friday ( 01458 831594, thesheppey.co.uk).
WHERE TO STAY: upper Crannel farm Barn B& B, with views across the Somerset Levels. Doubles from £120 ( 01458 831 758).
WHAT’S NEARBY? Glastonbury and the Somerset Levels are on your doorstep.