The Great British pub, embedded in our culture for centuries and almost entirely unique to our corner of the world, comes in many guises, from village locals that are the beating heart of rural communities, to Michelin-starred city boozers.
The ones you can’t forget? They’ll woo you in with a pretty beer garden in summer, and a crackling fire and comfy chair in winter, while serving up local beers and hearty fare.
A gentle evolution in recent decades has seen families, including four-legged members, now welcomed with open arms. However you may feel about the term ‘gastropub’, dining pubs are becoming a bright spot on Britain’s culinary scene.
‘The Great British boozer remains the envy of the world,’ says Ash Corbett-Collins, Vice Chairman of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). ‘Nothing can beat the warm atmosphere, friendly welcome and top-quality cask beer and real cider found in your humble local.’
To compile our list of Britain’s best 100 pubs, we asked dozens of the biggest names in the British food and drink industry, including Tom Parker-Bowles, Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux Jr and Prue Leith, to share their favourites with us. We also scoured hundreds of reviews and food and drink awards and consulted pub experts across the country, including Ed Bedington, Chair of Judges for The Great British Pubs Awards, which take place every September.
What does he think makes a great British pub? ‘One landlord summed it up to me perfectly,’ he says: ‘A good pub should “welcome you like a warm hug, and grab you by the legs when you try to leave”.’
London
The Queen’s Arms, Kensington
Location is everything, and this elegant pub is tucked away in a regal, cobbled mews in Kensington – with the Royal Albert Hall just a few minutes’ walk away. Italian chef Aldo Zilli describes it as his ‘favourite London pub’.
He says: ‘I went last year with Matt Goss when he was playing the Royal Albert Hall and had the roast. There’s a decent fish and chips on the menu too, and always a great atmosphere, particularly when there’s a gig next door.’
A pint? Sussex Best, by Harvey’s Brewery, £6.65
Dog friendly? Yes, ‘We love dogs!’
More info: thequeensarmskensington.co.uk
The Audley Public House, Mayfair
Built in 1888, The Audley, on Mayfair’s Mount Street, was designed by renowned architect Thomas Verity, who also had a hand in designs for the pavilion at Lord’s.
If the brief is a classic pub in a fancy part of town, then it’s job done, says MasterChef winner and Wahaca co-founder Thomasina Miers. ‘It’s a proper old-fashioned boozer with a beautiful bar and a revamped menu that is just beautiful pub grub cooked to absolute perfection. The best rarebit, Scotch eggs and prawn cocktail in town.’
A pint? Pumphouse pale ale, by Sambrook’s Brewery, £7
Dog friendly? Yes, with free dog biscuits too
More info: theaudleypublichouse.com
The Wigmore, West End
This former banking hall with bold green-painted panelling and red leather seats is attached to high-end West End hotel The Langham.
‘It’s one of my all-time favourites,’ Michel Roux Jr. ‘It’s a magnificent watering hole with an impressive drinks selection; the bottled beers and beers on tap are ever-changing. A classic British pub in a great location on Langham Place.’
Order the toasties, they’re the best in London Town.
A pint? Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, £6.75
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: the-wigmore.co.uk
The Mayflower, Rotherhithe
Need some proper history with that pint?
The oldest pub on the Thames, Rotherhithe’s 16th century The Mayflower, is as gloriously cavernous as you’d imagine. There’s stained glass, candles and roaring fires, with a jetty outside for river views. Five roasts, including a veggie option, are served on Sundays.
It’s the ‘most atmospheric Thameside pub’, according to Time Out magazine.
A pint? House beer is Scurvy Ale, £5.30
Dog friendly? Yes, downstairs
More info: mayflowerpub.co.uk
The Cow, Notting Hill
Despite the fancy West London postcode, egalitarian spirit reigns supreme at The Cow (but not when it comes to kids, they’ve got to leave by teatime), which means all walks of life prop up the bar.
Foodies come for the famed oysters-and-Guinness combo in the upstairs dining room, but the unpretentious ground-floor Saloon Bar, with artist-painted murals on the wall, is just as fun.
A pint? Guinness on draught, £7
Dog friendly? Yes, but only till 6pm
More info: thecowlondon.com
The White Swan, Richmond
This small but mighty 18th century pub close to the Thames, down a lovely lane that’s just off Richmond Green, gets busy quickly, particularly when there’s a rugby match on in nearby Twickenham.
Descend on a weekday though and it’s a portion of riverside paradise, with the sun-trap garden still warm on bright autumnal days.
The beef and Guinness pie is a menu highlight. ‘A proper gastro pub… the real lure is the food,’ says Conde Nast Traveller.
A pint? Otter Bitter, by Otter Brewery, £5.40
Dog friendly? Yes, ‘there’s more dogs than people in here sometimes’
More info: whiteswanrichmond.co.uk
The Canton Arms, Stockwell
Chef and cookbook writer Mike Davies knows what it takes to make a pub extraordinary. After all, he runs highly-regarded The Camberwell Arms in South London. So, where’s his own favourite boozer? The Canton Arms in Stockwell, southwest London, which he describes as ‘really special’.
He says: ‘It has an authentic pub atmosphere but never compromises on food quality. The benchmark single roast includes roast beef, crispy potatoes, horseradish crème fraîche, and watercress but I love the generous sharing dishes too. Eating there feels like joining a welcoming family gathering.’
A pint? Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, £5.90
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar, not the restaurant
More info: cantonarms.com
The Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith
Allegra McEvedy says a fair chunk of her wages has been spent dining in this West London pub over the last 20 years. Why does she keep coming back? ‘Continuity of chef is a rarity in London, but Brazilian Jasnobio Fardin has been at the helm for years now, and even for an old pro like me he still continues to create dishes and menus that impress. Order the Caesar Salad, it’s the best you’ll ever have, and if you get the blackcurrant sorbet, ask for some double cream to pour over, it’s eye-rollingly good.’
A pint? Otter Bitter, by Otter Brewery, £6
Dog friendly? Yes, half of the pub is, book ahead is the advice
More info: angleseaarmspub.co.uk
The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, Chelsea
Just behind ever-fashionable King’s Road, The Butcher’s Tap & Grill is chef megastar Tom Kerridge’s second outpost of boozer-meets-grill house, with the first being 30 miles west in Marlow.
TV chef Paul Ainsworth says it’s quickly become one of London’s best: ‘It’s on a beautiful side street in the heart of Chelsea and the minute you walk in you can instantly tell from the decor that Tom and Beth [artist Beth Cullen-Kerridge] are behind it. The choice of steaks is mouth-watering and watching them being cooked over fire is awesome.’
A pint? Rebellion Lager, by Rebellion Brewery, £7.75
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk/chelsea
The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell
Once a London dance hall, this food-centred South London pub has won plaudits galore since it opened a decade ago.
Come for the homemade bread, carefully curated drinks and culinary creativity; find scotch bonnet pork fat on toast on the starters list and barbecued mackerel on the main menu – both delicious.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Leonie Cooper, food and drink editor at Time Out London, who says it’s ‘sublime’.
A pint? Pale Ale, by The Kernel Brewery, £6.70 for a 500ml bottle
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: thecamberwellarms.co.uk
The Hero, Maida Vale
‘Earthy’ would describe the on-trend decor at The Hero, on Shirland Road; there’s a bare plaster look on the walls, gorgeous leather banquette seating, and learned-looking bookshelves.
Set over four floors, the casual ground level serves delights such as pork pie with piccalilli and sausage and mash, while upstairs The Grill sears speciality meats and fish. ‘
An extremely decent take on the modern pub repertoire,’ said restaurant critic Jay Rayner when reviewing the pub earlier this year.
A pint? London Pilsner, by Portobello Brewing, £6
Dog friendly? Yes, but only downstairs
More info: theherow9.com
The South East
Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor, Oxfordshire
Raymond Blanc, whose Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a short drive up the M40, has been enjoying the Sunday roasts at Sir Charles Napier for more than 35 years. What draws the French masterchef in?
‘The food is of extraordinary quality and comes with the best service. It’s ideal for families because there’s a wonderful garden for kids to enjoy.’
What really sets it apart though is the attention to detail from owner Julie Griffiths, he says. ‘Every day she is on the floor ensuring guests are well looked after and cared for. It’s a jewel of a pub.’
A pint? Rebellion IPA, by Rebellion Beer Co, £6.50
Dog friendly? Yes, but by appointment only
More info: sircharlesnapier.co.uk
The Bull, Charlbury, Oxfordshire
What makes a great pub for many, including The Great British Bake Off’s Prue Leith, is substance over style, something this early 16th-century pub with rooms, on Sheep Street in Charlbury, has well and truly conquered.
‘We’re spoiled for great pubs in the Cotswolds and my current favourite is The Bull,’ says Prue. ‘It still looks like a proper pub, not some decorator’s fantasy, and the food is just great – unpretentious, hearty and cooked with imagination and talent.’
A pint? Steady Rolling Man pale ale, from DEYA Brewery, £6.20
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: thebullcharlbury.com
The Plough, Kings Walden, Hertfordshire
A rallying local community saved The Plough from closure in May this year.
On a two-acre plot in leafy Hertfordshire, with gorgeous countryside views in the beer garden, the pub dates back to 1846 and counts French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli as a punter.
He’s pleased as punch it’s in safe hands again, saying: ‘It’s a wonderful, very understated local community pub; the full genuine package. We’re so fortunate to have it nearby’.
A pint? Abbot Ale, by Greene King, £4.85
Dog friendly? Yes, but must be on a lead
More info: theploughkingswalden.com
The Fox And Hounds, Hunsdon, Hertfordshire
Chef James Rix and his wife Bianca have turned their dream of pub ownership into a reality, and Saturday Morning Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt is a huge fan.
He says: ‘The food is outstanding, and everything else, the setting, atmosphere is exactly what you’d want in a cute village pub.’
Dishes include herb-crusted cod fillet, Old Spot pork loin chop and flourless chocolate cake, amongst other delights, while coffee and pastries are served from 10am.
A pint? Best bitter – changes each week, by Tring Brewery, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: foxandhounds-hunsdon.co.uk
Nelson Arms, Tonbridge, Kent
Kent’s Pub of the Year 2024 in the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards, and full of nautical-themed curios including a ship’s wheel, the Nelson Arms is within walking distance of Tonbridge station.
It’s had a recent refurb, but it’s the beers and ciders that really do the talking; there’s an ever-changing carousel of craft beers and up to 15 real ciders.
Four Kent pies (the lamb, mint and potato comes highly recommended) are a menu highlight.
A pint? Whatever’s on, the rotation is ‘constant’, says the landlord, with prices around £4.60
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: thenelsonarms.com
The Kings Arms, Elham, Kent
When King Charles ascended the throne, this Grade II-listed pub, dating back to 1450, in Kent’s Elham Valley celebrated with a spruce up – and it makes for a fun pub; the wood burner sits in an old mash tun barrel.
County winner in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024, the village pub champions Kent beers and the county’s ever-more impressive wines.
The food’s great too, with curry night on Mondays, and steaks on Thursdays.
A pint? Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, £5.80
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: thekingsarmselham.com
The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent
Packed in summer thanks to its location right on the seafront at Kingsdown, the bright white Zetland Arms looks across to France, and neighbours trendy Deal (via Walmer).
Go in winter when it’s quieter, and feel the warm embrace of a jar, brewed by Shepherd Neame up the road in Faversham, after a bracing walk.
A pint? Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, by Shepherd Neame, around £5.30
Dog friendly? Yes, all areas
More info: zetlandarms.co.uk
The Bell Inn, Outwood, Surrey
The ivy-clad Bell Inn, in the hamlet of Outwood, has a big beer garden, milk churn stools and crackling fires in winter. Italian chef Aldo Zilli is a regular.
He says: ‘It’s just eight minutes from my house in the beautiful Surrey countryside, and you can mingle with the likes of Judi Dench, when she’s not at Casa Zilli!’
He adds: ‘And there’s lovely National Trust walks nearby.’
A pint? London Pride, by Fuller’s, £5.50
Dog friendly? Of course, but Irish Setter Bessie rules
More info: belloutwood.co.uk
The Loch & Tyne, Old Windsor, Berkshire
Scottish chef Adam Handling has made a rip-roaring success of running his first pub, The Loch & Tyne on Crimp Hill in Old Windsor. The menu is led by seasonality, with some of the fruit and veg sourced from the pub’s own garden.
Reassuringly, all the classics are here, including fish and chips, pie of the day and mac ‘n’ cheese.
One of this year’s Top 50 Gastropubs (top50gastropubs.com), get in quick if you want to book one of the two guest rooms upstairs.
A pint? Camden Pale Ale, by Camden Town Brewery, £6.50
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: lochandtyne.com
The Bell Inn, Aldworth, near Reading, Berkshire
In the Macaulay/Hunt family for more than 250 years, The Bell Inn in the village of Aldworth is a lovely surprise for those who simply happen upon it.
Regional finalist in this year’s CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards, the pub is filled with artefacts that reflect its Victorian origins.
Punters love the pared-down menu, including hot-filled rolls, and the west-facing beer garden. The landlord’s son brews Five Giants, the pub’s home ale, out the back.
A pint? Five Giants, £4.40
Dog friendly? Yes, but must be on leads
More info: Call 01635 578272
The Coach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Top chef David Smith admits The Coach in Marlow can feel ‘boujee’ because there’s a Michelin star hanging above the door and Tom Kerridge is behind it, but says punters shouldn’t be put off from just ordering a glass of something delicious.
‘It’s super relaxed and it takes walk-ins,’ he says. ‘There’s beautiful food and you can get a great glass of wine at a reasonable price. This would be my local if I lived closer!’
A pint? Rebellion Lager, By Rebellion Beer co, £7
Dog friendly? Assistance dogs only
More info: thecoachmarlow.co.uk
The Jolly Sportsman, near Lewes, East Sussex
Vino aficionados have long since raved about The Jolly Sportsman, which is nestled at the foot of the South Downs and has more than 50 selections on its wine list.
Saturday Kitchen wine expert Olly Smith says: ‘With its roaring fire, bucolic garden, fine food and great service, I’m a big fan of a lazy day in this countryside gem.’
Plus, there are four boutique rooms above the pub.
A pint? Best Bitter, Long Man Brewery, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, but must be ‘quiet and well-behaved’
More info: thejollysportsman.com
Still & West, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire
There’s nautical charm in spades at this Grade II-listed Solent-side Fuller’s pub in Old Portsmouth, which is another favourite of wine expert Olly Smith.
‘It’s a stunning pub,’ he says. ‘Smart and modern but with its strong nautical heritage intact. The food is fine, as is the drink and there are sublime views over the Solent.
A pint? Seafarers ale, by Fuller’s, £5.15
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: stillandwest.co.uk
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex
n a corner of Findon with the pastoral beauty of the South Downs all around, this early 17th-century pub with exposed beams and plenty of antiques is well-known for its Sunday roast – and generous portions.
Overall national winner of the Great British Pub Awards in 2022, there are good cask ales on tap, and don’t miss French Night, three courses for a ‘prix fixe’ of £24.
A pint? Guinness on draught, £5.60
Dog friendly? Yes, ‘all shapes and sizes’ allowed in the bar
More info: thegunfindon.co.uk
Brickmaker’s Alehouse, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex
Surrey and Sussex’s CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) ‘Pub of the Year’ 2024, this trendy green-painted alehouse on Sea Road in Bexhill looks more like a shop (it was once a brick merchants) than a micropub.
But wander through the door and you’ll find a host of ambrosial delights from knowledgeable hosts.
The owners reckon they’ve had 1,000 ales on tap in four-and-a-half years of trading – and you can take the draft delights away, too.
A pint? Zamzama IPA, by Gun Brewery, £4.80
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: brickmakersalehouse.co.uk
The Horse & Groom, Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire
Amidst the leafy splendour of the New Forest, The Horse & Groom sits in the little village of Woodgreen.
This low-key country inn has ponies, pigs and cows grazing all around and food that might fill you up for a week – try the sausage ring and burnt buttered mash.
It’s also an enthusiastic supporter of showcasing beers by emerging local breweries.
A pint? Colt Pixie IPA, by Dead Duck Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, with treats, water and blankets on offer
More info: horseandgroom-woodgreen.com
The South West
The George, Lacock, Wiltshire
This honey-hued 14th-century pub with rooms lies in the National Trust village of Lacock in Wiltshire and boasts original beams and a medieval fireplace, alongside a quirky backstory. It’s one of food writer Tom Parker-Bowles’ favourites.
‘It’s a classic country pub that once had a dog-powered roast meat spit. It’s no longer in use but the Wadworth 6X ale is as good as you’ll find anywhere. And there’s a good range of cider too.’
A pint? 6X amber ale, by Wadworth, £4.70
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: georgeinnlacock.co.uk
The Plough, Prestbury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
This 17th-century Grade-II pub is packed with quaint English charm and a carefully maintained back garden, The Plough has perfected the family-friendly, dog-friendly concept.
Park up in the conservation village of Prestbury and enjoy plenty of cask ales, great sandwiches at lunch and a game of petanque on the beer garden pitch.
A pint? Buckeye Best Bitter, by The Hop Shed, £4.00
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: theploughprestbury.co.uk
Crossways Inn, West Huntspill, Somerset
Sitting pretty on the Somerset Levels, this family-run 17th-century coaching inn – with a four-star B&B next door – made The Campaign for Real Ale’s latest ‘Best UK Pubs’ list.
A beer lover’s nirvana, there are up to 25 guest cask ales on per week, plus plenty of cider options too.
Once a pitstop for coaches and carriages seeking sustenance, those booking a table today will enjoy home-cooked food using local produce.
A pint? Ever changing, but Dartmoor Jail Ale, by Dartmoor Brewery, £4.75
Dog friendly? Yes, but not on Friday and Saturday nights
More info: thecrosswaysinn.com
The Alhampton Inn, Somerset
Sometimes heart is the biggest attribute a pub can have – and that’s the case at 350-year-old Alhampton Inn, known as ‘The Ally’, in the Somerset hamlet of the same name.
Winner of a Prince of Wales Award 2024 for community initiatives, the locals raised £125,000 to save it in 2022, and it’s thriving once more.
Currently only serving drinks – but there are pop-up Sunday roasts planned for the autumn.
A pint? Jaipur IPA, by Thornbridge Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, very, but keep them on a lead please
More info: alhamptoninn.com
The Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset
It’s everything you could want from a country pub,’ says TV chef Allegra McEvedy of this Dorset coastal hotspot.
‘It serves great local ales and scrummy, locally-made pasties and pies in a historic but unpretentious environment. Sip your restorative pint out front, looking over the Channel from this stunning location on the Jurassic coast, and you may well have one of those “Everything’s going to be ok” moments.’
A pint? Moonlite ale, by Hattie Brown’s Brewery, £4.20
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: squareandcompasspub.co.uk
The Wheatsheaf, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire
Another of Parker-Bowles’ favourites, The Wheatsheaf is an early 19th-century thatched delight on the edge of the North Wessex Downs with flint walls.
The food critic explains why it’s a hit: ‘Recently refurbished, this perfect village pub has Ramsbury Gold on tap, and it has very good modern pub food too.’
The new autumn menu is packed with soulful plates, including venison loin and Ramsbury beer battered haddock and chips.
A pint? Ramsbury Gold, Ramsbury Brewery, £5
Dog friendly? Yes, and there’s treats behind the bar too
More info: thewheatsheafchiltonfoliat.co.uk
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
A true destination pub, The Cornish Arms sits in Dartmoor’s rolling foothills and is ‘everything a proper British pub should be,’ according to renowned chef Paul Ainsworth, himself a pub landlord (The Mariners in Cornwall).
He says: ‘An absolute family favourite for many years now. It’s not too far from us in Cornwall and owners John and Emma Hooker have made this pub so beautifully cosy, and the food is off the scale – from the ham hock scotch egg to the delicious roasted sea bass. It’s everything a proper British pub should be.’
The pub only opened in 2013 but has already scooped up plenty of awards.
A pint? Offshore Pilsner, Sharp’s Brewery, £6.00
Dog friendly? Yes, at the bar and in the garden
More info: thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk
The Dolphin, Dartmouth, Devon
Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt has been known to prop up the bar at The Dolphin in Dartmouth, which dates back to 1838.
A great British boozer in its simplest form, it has bags of character, including global flags strewn across the bar area, and is packed at weekends.
‘It’s run by the exuberant and infectious Jon Pope,’ Matt says. ‘The beer is great, the Guinness is cracking and there’s often live music. Once you’re in, it becomes very hard to leave.’
A pint? Guinness on draught, around £5.80
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: Call 01803 833698
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon
There’s a whiff of risk in drinking at The Pilchard Inn, on South Devon micro-isle Burgh Island (once beloved by Agatha Christie). If the tide comes in when you’re full of food and beer, it’s a rattly – but fun – ride back to the mainland on a sea tractor.
The pub itself is a delight, with cream stone fireplaces inside, and benches with sublime views outside.
‘The most delicious food… I love the Pilchard,’ said reviewer Tanya Gold in The Spectator last year.
A pint? Otter Amber light ale, by Otter Brewery, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, very welcome
More info: burghisland.com/the-pilchard-inn
The Masons Arms, Branscombe, Devon
St Austell Brewery has ploughed nearly £2 million into making this 14th-century South Devon inn, close to Honiton, a luxury pub experience – and it’s paid off.
The centuries-old decor – robust beams, stone walls and part-thatched roof – ensures the character is firmly intact, too.
Food is mostly pub staples such as gammon and chips, with the odd elegant Italian dish thrown in for good measure.
A pint? Proper Job IPA, By St Austell Brewery, around £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, allowed in the bar
More info: masonsarms.co.uk
The Gurnard’s Head, near Zennor, Cornwall
A smudge of bright yellow on the moorland horizon between St Ives and St Just on Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast is the first hint you’re close to The Gurnard’s Head.
Saturday Kitchen’s wine expert Helen McGinn says it’s her ‘favourite pub in the world’.
She tells us: ‘Everything is fantastic, from the location to the food, wine and people. Whenever I go, I never want to leave.’
A dining pub with rooms, there’s a global menu too, with dishes including Sri Lankan lentil fritter and pork belly with salsa verde.
A pint? Lamanva bitter, by Verdant Brewing Co, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: gurnardshead.co.uk
The Tinners Arms, near Zennor, Cornwall
Expert sommelier Carine Silva Pharr says this traditional Cornish inn, which has been here for 700 years and once hosted novelist DH Lawrence, offers a brilliant crescendo to a coastal walk from St Ives.
She tells us: ‘There’s nothing better than finishing a long hike, with one of the best Pimm’s Cup cocktails you’ll ever have, particularly during the summer.’
Crab, fresh off the boats in Newlyn, is a highlight on a menu that celebrates West Cornish produce.
A pint? Tinners Ale, by Sharp’s Brewery, £5.10
Dog friendly? Yes, very
More info: tinnersarms.com
The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall
Renowned chef Richard Corrigan, who owns London’s Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, admits he’s more than a little envious of how easy fellow chef Paul Ainsworth, who runs The Mariners, can access Cornwall’s finest oysters.
The best way to enjoy them?
‘Order a perfectly poured pint of Sharp’s’, says Corrigan, ‘And then sit on the upstairs terrace looking over the beautiful Camel Estuary. You don’t get much fresher than that – and the Dog’s Pollock hot dog is a work of wonders, too.’
A pint? Offshore Pilsner, by Sharp’s, £6
Dog friendly? Yes, ground floor only
More info: paul-ainsworth.co.uk/the-mariners
North West
Parkers Arms, Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire
This once-abandoned landmark pub in the Ribble Valley is a favourite of British Menu chef Nina Matsunaga, who runs The Black Bull in Sedbergh.
A clear labour of love, the pub is now firing on all cylinders, according to Matsunaga.
‘I love its rustic contemporary decor, warm Lancashire welcome and the seasonal menus, which focus on local ingredients – delicious!’
A pint? Bowland Ale, by Bowland Brewery, £4.95
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: parkersarms.co.uk
Heft at High Newton, Cumbria
Cumbrian superchef Kevin Tickle and his wife Nicola transformed this 17th-century inn with five rooms into a pub that’s now top of the list for local foodies, including chef Nina Matsunaga
‘It’s a really good reinvention of a pub, with good quality locally brewed beer, a great selection of wines and a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant too – the Sunday roast is cracking.’
A pint? Pale Ale by Lakes Brew Co, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar area and outside
More info: hefthighnewton.co.uk
White Swan at Fence, near Burnley, Lancashire
The only Timothy Taylor’s pub in Lancashire, White Swan at Fence also boasts a Michelin star, earned in 2018 and retained, thanks to its small, seasonal menu. Celebrated local chef Ryan Blackburn is a regular.
‘I love it,’ he says. ‘The food is stunning and super tasty, it has a great wine offering alongside the traditional ales you would expect in a country pub and the staff are brilliant. The cheese board is something special.’
A pint? Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, but only at lunch – advise staff when booking
More info: whiteswanatfence.co.uk
The George and Dragon, Clifton, Cumbria
Restored by Charles Lowther in 2008, this rustic chic pub with 11 rooms was named Cumbria Pub of the Year 2024 and is a favourite of chef Jack Bond, owner of Michelin-starred Cumbrian restaurant The Cottage in the Wood.
‘There are hearty portions and clever combinations plus a fantastic wine list,’ he says. ‘The a la carte and Sunday lunch menus are both great – the soft-shell crab is the winner for me.’
A pint? Loweswater Gold, by Cumbrian Ales, around £5.30
Dog friendly? Yes, well behaved pets welcome in the bar
More info: georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk
The Black Bull Inn, Sedbergh, Cumbria
Recline into a red leather chair by the fire at The Black Bull Inn, set in Cumbria but on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and choose from a giddying amount of vermouths, white port, sherries, whiskies and amaros.
The interiors of this market town inn with rooms are contemporary, and many come for chef Nina Matsunaga’s seasonal, locally sourced food – find sustainable fish and locally reared rare breed beef on her menus. The pub holds a curry night on Tuesdays.
A pint? The pub’s own Sed Beer golden ale, by Fell Brewery, £5.40
Dog friendly? Yes, including in some rooms
More info: theblackbullsedbergh.co.uk
Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Cumbria
This Ambleside drinking hole, where Cumbrians have supped a jar or three for well over 300 years, reportedly got its name from a past landlady who once found her ducks ‘dead’, only for them to slowly come around hours later, with a leaky beer barrel to blame.
Ten minutes from Lake Windermere, the remote retreat is loved equally for the beer it brews on site, and its South American-infused menu; find steak and ale pie alongside dishes such as rabbit tacos.
’An atmosphere of free-and-easy conviviality,’ says The Good Food Guide.
A pint? Brathay Gold, by Barngates Brewery, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, at lunchtime in the bar area
More info: drunkenduckinn.co.uk
The Wainwright, Keswick, Cumbria
This award-winning Wainwright welcomes walkers and their four-legged friends with open arms. In fact, it might just be Britain’s most dog-friendly pub.
There’s a dedication to serving up Cumbrian real ales, too, and the menu’s meat and fish comes from farms or suppliers nearby – lunch is popular and on a first come, first served basis.
A pint? Tinderbox IPA, by Fell Brewery, £5.30
Dog friendly? Supremely
More info: thewainwright.pub
The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest, Brampton, Cumbria
In the winsome village of Slaggyford where Cumbria and Northumberland meet, this 19th-century pub has had new life breathed into it in recent years.
Head Chef Connor Wilson’s field-to-fork menu incorporates wild game and pasture-bred sheep and cattle from nearby farms. Lovely local beers, too.
‘The sort of pub that’s worth making a detour for,’ said food critic Grace Dent when reviewing the pub last year.
A pint? Kirkstyle Ale, brewed with Twice Brew Brewed Co, £4.40 (£4 if you’re a regular)
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: theksi.co.uk
The Edinburgh Castle, Ancoats, Manchester
Early 19th-century workers in Ancoats frequented The Edinburgh Castle, and its industrial heritage shapes everything this recently revamped pub is today.
The menu is packed with north-west produce, from local bakery Pollen’s sourdough to the Swaledale lamb shoulder. Whisky lovers will enjoy a robust firewater list and there are plenty of fruity cask ales on rotation.
‘There’s a deftness, solidity and wit to the cooking,’ said Jay Rayner, when reviewing the pub last year.
A pint? Guinness on draught, £6.80
Dog friendly? Yes, ‘we prefer dogs to children!’
More info: ec-ancoats.com
The Cholmondeley Arms, Malpas, Cheshire
This converted Victorian schoolhouse on Lord Cholmondeley’s estate in South Cheshire, has a bulging awards cabinet, thanks to its original food, historic setting and ambitious drinks range.
If gin’s your thing, you’ll be in heaven – the back bar looks like an alchemist’s stash, with some 355 global gin picks. Known locally as ‘the Chum’, the pub was named Great British Pub of the Year in 2023.
A pint? Cholmondeley Best bitter, by Weetwood Ales, £4.10
Dog friendly? Yes, and in three of the six guest rooms
More info: cholmondeleyarms.co.uk
North East
Low Lights Tavern, Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
Local hero musician Sam Fender loves the Low Lights Tavern so much his Brit Awards are used as tap handles in the bar.
Starry associations aside, it’s also the oldest pub in North Shields. Perched on Fish Quay, it has interesting bands, proper pies and slick – but friendly – service. If you’re tall, mind your head.
A pint? Low Lights Pale Ale, by Three Kings Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, welcome everywhere
More info: facebook.com/thelowlightstavern
The Free Trade Inn, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Northumberland-born and bred chef Cal Byerley, who runs Michelin-starred restaurant Pine, and appeared on Great British Menu this year, loves the simplicity of this Ouseburn Valley boozer.
‘It was named after the old practice of staying at inns free of charge until one got a job, after which you would buy everyone a drink in return. Simpler times,’ he says. ‘It’s perfect for a pint and a samosa from the bar with some of the best views down the River Tyne.’
A pint? Citra Session Blonde Jarl, by Fyne Ales Farm Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: instagram.com/thefreetradeinn
The Grey Horse, Consett, County Durham
The beer doesn’t travel far at The Grey Horse; since 2005 much of it has been brewed behind the pub by the Consett Ale Works, using Derwent Valley water. And it’s cracking value at £3 a pint.
The pub itself is one of the region’s most historical pubs and highly rated by CAMRA. It’s compact, wood-beamed, with an L-shaped bar and two roaring fires in winter but be warned, it doesn’t serve food. No under-18s inside.
A pint? Red Dust malt, by Consett Ale Works, £3
Dog friendly? Yes, must be on leads inside
More info: consettaleworks.co.uk/the-grey-horse
The Feathers Inn, near Stocksfield, Northumberland
Best place for a lock-in in the northeast? Chef Cal Byerley would pick The Feathers Inn, which has three snug areas, all with wood burners to keep things toasty.
‘It’s exactly the sort of pub you’d want to get trapped in during a blizzard,’ says Byerley: ‘The wine list is particularly impressive with some rare finds that get dusted off before coming to the table. You feel cut off from the outside world when you’re here, in a good way.’
A pint? Sycamore Gap Pale Ale, by Twice Brewed, £5
Dog friendly? Yes, just in the bar
More info: thefeathers.net
The Beresford Arms, Whalton, Northumberland
Part of the fabric of Whalton village since the 1900s, The Beresford Arms looks very 2024, thanks to a modern interior that blends perfectly with the stone walls and original overhead beams.
Finalist in the Great British Pub Awards 2024, the kitchen is open seven days a week and there’s a clutch of chic bedrooms in the former stable blocks. Northumberland breweries dominate the taps, too.
A pint? Grainger Ale, by Hadrian Border Brewery, £4.30
Dog friendly? Yes, at the bar
More info: theberesfordarmswhalton.co.uk
The Apple Inn, Lucker, Northumberland
Those shaking the mud off after a long ramble and taking a table at The Apple Inn, which has rooms and five shepherds’ huts too, are rewarded with a plethora of Northumbrian ales and produce on the menu, including grass-fed meat and line-caught fish.
Dogs are on equal footing with humans here, with talk of a dog-sitting service being introduced next year.
A pint? Run Hop Run, by Rigg & Furrow, £4.40
Dog friendly? Yes, ‘we like them more than humans sometimes’
More info: theappleinnlucker.com
Yorkshire
The Abbey Inn, Byland, North Yorkshire
This rural 19th-century pub in sits in the shadow of 12th century Byland Abbey
Irish chef Richard Corrigan, owner of Corrigan’s Mayfair, frequently escapes the Big Smoke at this rural 19th-century inn with rooms, which sits in the shadow of 12th-century Byland Abbey.
‘It’s as if you’re sitting in the midst of history’ he says. ‘It’s proper polished pub food, the burgers are crafted from their own meat and the beef tartare is elevated with the finest of foraged foods. And don’t miss the roast either – there’s no better way to end the week.’
A pint? Abbey Gold wheat beer, by Turning Point Brew Co, £6 (for a can)
Dog friendly? Yes, but not in the rooms
More info: abbeyinnbyland.co.uk
The Blue Lion, Leyburn, North Yorkshire
The timeless charm of this Grade-II listed pub remains – with a real ale bar and winter log fires
The Grade-II listed Blue Lion, which now has rooms, was run by the same family from 1856 to 1989, with 80s landlady Bessie Fletcher serving beer in jugs straight from the barrel.
Today, the timeless charm remains – a real ale bar, log fires in winter, muscular oak tables – but with up-to-date pub food, including vegan choices, on offer.
Look out for the lovingly preserved original 19th-century name sign as you enter.
A pint? Theakston Best Bitter, by Theakston Brewery, £5.50
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar, not the restaurant
More info: thebluelion.co.uk
The Plough, Scalby, North Yorkshire
There’s local hand-pulls and ciders galore plus soul-warming food at The Plough
Betwixt the North York Moors National Park and the seaside charm of Scarborough, this village pub has long been lauded for its friendly, efficient staff.
The decor is modern – its Garden Lounge is positively Instagrammable with its greenery and neon-lit signs – but, importantly, the food and drink is a triumph.
There are local hand-pulls and ciders galore plus soul-warming food – including an East Coast fish stew with saffron potatoes.
’Full of character and charm,’ says the Yorkshire Food Guide.
A pint? Black Sheep Ale, by Black Sheep Brewery, £4.75
Dog friendly? Yes, including in some rooms
More info: theploughscalby.co.uk
The Star Inn, Harome, North Yorkshire
This thatched gastropub, in the Howardian Hills, woos mostly for its extraordinary food
Described as a ‘Michelin-starred 14th-century inn with rooms in the heart of God’s Own Country’, this thatched gastropub, in the Howardian Hills, serves up extraordinary food.
But if you just want a pint of amber nectar by a roaring fire after a long wander, that’s fine, too.
A pint? Harome Beauty blonde ale, by Camerons Brewery, £5.90
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar and beer garden, but not in the restaurant
More info: thestaratharome.co.uk
Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax, West Yorkshire
Chef Chris Webster’s six-course taster menu at this Halifax establishment costs £70
Originally a corn and spinning mill, the white-painted Shibden Mill Inn, a ten-minute drive from Halifax, became a country pub in 1890. Chef Chris Webster’s six-course taster menu costs £70, with a Ham Hock and Wensleydale toastie (£13) just as enticing at the other end of the menu.
The pub was included in the prestigious 50 Top Gastropubs 2024. There are 11 stylish rooms too, should you wish to bed down.
A pint? Bread & Butter pale ale, by Vocation Brewery, £4.30
Dog friendly? Yes, in a small area of the pub and the garden
More info: shibdenmillinn.com
The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton, East Riding
This pub has a Michelin star and tables can be as rare as hen’s teeth
Set in the bucolic surrounds of the Dalton Estate, the red-roofed Pipe and Glass Inn modestly describes itself as ‘a friendly pub where you can get a beer and a sandwich’.
It also has a Michelin star and tables are snapped up quickly. It’s the combination of rural country pub, all sturdy black beams, sink-in chairs and great beer, with dining so sophisticated it rivals your fanciest London restaurant.
A pint? InnSpire IPA, By Wold Top Brewery, £5
Dog friendly? Yes, but outside only
More info: pipeandglass.co.uk
The Midlands
The Plough, Normanton-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire
Family-friendly The Plough, in the hamlet of Normanton-on-the-Wolds, has a roomy nature-filled beer garden with a children’s play area.
Fans rave about the service, while there are five real ales on draught, too.
A pint? Elsie Mo, by Castle Rock Brewery, £4.40
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar/garden – with treats and water available
More info: ploughnormanton.co.uk
The Royal Oak, Little Cawthorpe, Lincolnshire
This pub’s location on Watery Lane, tells you all you need to know about why it’s known as ‘The Splash’ to Lincolnshire folk.
If there’s been rain, you have to drive through an almighty puddle to reach it. The beer garden is made for long summer evenings and the oldest parts of the pub, dark and brooding, are super cosy in winter.
A pint? My Father traditional ale, by Munyard Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, and they sell doggy roasts
More info: royaloaksplash.co.uk
The Dambusters Inn, Scampton, Lincolnshire
In the tiny village of Scampton, just north of Lincoln and close to the former RAF base, The Dambusters Inn is half pub, half museum thanks to the murals and memorabilia dedicated to events of May 1943.
There’s an unwavering dedication to serving real ale and filling fare to eat. The Grimsby battered haddock served with triple-cooked chips and mushy peas is a highlight.
A pint? Dambusters, by Beermats Brewing Company, £4.60
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: dambustersinn.co.uk
Blind Bull Inn, Little Hucklow, Buxton, Derbyshire
The 12th-century Blind Bull Inn is among Britain’s oldest pubs and yet it’s everything a modern pub should be; owner Raab Dykstra-McCarthy says the aim is ‘to create a pub I’d want to go to’.
The Peak District backdrop is soul-reviving, there’s a smart dining room (plus five bedrooms and a cottage for overnighters) and 80 per cent of the food comes from within ten miles.
Eat casually in the bar, or dine in style in the open kitchen restaurant upstairs. The pub was named a gold award winner at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.
A pint? The pub’s own Blind Bull IPA, brewed with Eyam Brewery, £4.90
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar and beer garden
More info: theblindbull.co.uk
The Packhorse, Hayfield, Derbyshire
The Packhorse is the perfect place to reward yourself after a bracing walk up and down Derbyshire’s Kinder Scout plateau.
This Millstone pub has elegant, half-panelled interiors with thoughtful, seasonal food and an interesting wine list.
The pub’s butcher, John Mettrick, is behind the menu’s local meats, which are ‘reared to the highest welfare standards’. It serves a great weekend fry-up, too.
‘A pub that happens to do seriously good food,’ said food critic Marina O’Loughlin when reviewing the pub in 2021.
A pint? Chatsworth Gold, by Peak Ales, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: thepackhorsehayfield.uk
The Nevill Arms, Medbourne, Leicestershire
A converted stable yard and Grade-II coaching inn, The Nevill Arms hosts plenty of brides and grooms, thanks to its honey-coloured stone and picture-perfect brook-side setting in the Welland Valley.
Refurbished in recent years, the hotel is a big part of the pub’s business but walk in for a pint or a cup of tea and you’ll get the same smiley service.
The beef, lamb and pork on the menu come from the owner’s farm, four miles away.
A pint? Top Lock golden ale, by Langton Brewery, £4.20
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar and outdoor areas
More info: nevillarms.co.uk
The Snooty Fox, Lowick, Northamptonshire
There’s a whopping nine Belgian beer pumps at The Snooty Fox, plus six real ales and 12 continental ciders and lagers. Japanese whisky? That’s here, too.
This snug-looking pub, all wood floors and old beams, serves up a delicious roast on Sundays too.
A pint? Fool’s Nook golden ale, by Digfield Ales, £5
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar and garden, with ‘treats for fur-mily members!’
More info: thesnootyfoxlowick.co.uk
Tamworth Tap, Staffordshire
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) named 16th-century Tamworth Tap its Pub of the Year 2022 and 2023, so if you’re in the market for wonderful cask ale, it’s assured here.
There’s a microbrewery on site, and eight hand pulls on in this part Tudor bolthole. The beer garden has a plum view of Tamworth Castle.
A pint? Whooper! Ale, by Tamworth Brewing Co, £4.80
Dog friendly? Very, sells doggy ice cream, drinks and snacks
More info: tamworthbrewing.co.uk
The Riverside at Aymestrey, near Leominster, Herefordshire
Guests have been checking in for food and board at The Riverside, on the fringes of Mortimer Forest since the 1600s.
The bar area is light, bright and cosy, with two double-sided wood burners and chocolate-coloured Chesterfield sofas.
It’s a great place to get to know English wines, with Chapel Down, Sixteen Ridges, and Severn Valley all on offer.
A pint? Hereford Pale Ale, by Wye Valley Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? And then some, the chef can even prepare dishes for them
More info: riversideaymestrey.co.uk
Rose & Crown, Worcester, Worcestershire
If you’re looking for a pub with heart, then pitch up at the 15th-century Rose & Crown. Its location in the hamlet of Severn Stoke is a blessing and a curse, it’s been battered by floods in recent years but has remained stoic.
It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a drink – with a trendy, recently updated garden area, and a menu crammed with reasonably priced pub favourites.
A pint? Oxford Gold, by Brakspear, £4.25
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar, but not the restaurant
More info: roseandcrownsevernstoke.uk
East of England
The Sun Inn, Felmersham, Bedfordshire
This 17th-century rural thatched village inn with rooms sources some of its produce from the family’s nearby Wild Berry Farm, including rare-breed, grass-fed beef and Bronze turkeys.
It has just one major fault, says renowned chef Kevin Tickle, who runs Michelin-starred pub Heft, in Cumbria – it’s in the wrong place.
He explains: ‘We love their ethos and it’s just a lovely local pub with good food, we just wish it was a lot further north!’
A pint? Ampthill Gold, by Kelchner Brewery, £4.40
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: thesunfelmersham.com
The Three Blackbirds, Woodditton, Cambridgeshire
On the borders of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, not far from Newmarket, Woodditton’s 17th century village inn has nine swish bedrooms in the barn next door, but stays trues to the original offering in the handsome pub; with classic dishes winding in Fenland veg, and some gorgeous local cheeses. A ‘Great British Beef Feast’ is served on Sundays.
A ‘Great British Beef Feast’ is served on Sundays.
A pint? Eastern Gold, by Barsham Brewery, £4.60
Dog friendly? Yes, throughout
More info: threeblackbirds.co.uk
The Unruly Pig, near Woodbridge, Suffolk
Serving unfussy ‘Britalian’ food, this quirky gastropub continues to wow with its inventive, accomplished food and stellar service, the combination of which has won it a faithful local fanclub – alongside weekenders prepared to put the miles in to dine here. Grab three courses for £32.50 at lunchtime Monday to Friday.
Grab three courses for £32.50 at lunchtime Monday to Friday. The Unruly Pig was named ‘Best Pub’ in the GQ Food and Drink Awards 2023.
The Unruly Pig was named ‘Best Pub’ in the GQ Food and Drink Awards 2023.
A pint? Southwold Bitter, by Adnams, £5.75
Dog friendly? Yes, but book a dog friendly table in advance
More info: theunrulypig.co.uk
The Brewers, Rattlesden, Suffolk
When it looked like The Brewers would be no more in 2018, it was revived by two local couples, and now, six years on, is frequently recognised for its fine food – including a nod from the Michelin guide. The chef spent a year working in Texas smokehouses, so anticipate particularly flavoursome burgers too. There’s a courtyard garden, alongside a quaint interior of exposed brick and painted wood beams.
The chef spent a year working in Texas smokehouses, so anticipate particularly flavoursome burgers too. There’s a courtyard garden, alongside a quaint interior of exposed brick and painted wood beams. ‘Modern cuisine cooked with confidence and ambition,’ says the reviewer for the Michelin Guide.
‘Modern cuisine cooked with confidence and ambition,’ says the reviewer for the Michelin Guide.
A pint? Uncle Percy’s Solar Powered Pale Ale, Drinkstone Ales, £4.80
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bars and beer garden
More info: thebrewersrattlesden.co.uk
The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market, Norfolk
Get a table by the big bay windows in The Hoste Arms, and land in people-watching heaven; as the residents of posh Burnham Market, in North Norfolk, go about their business. Dine by candlelight in the wood-pannelled restaurant, or just enjoy a G&T in the bar. The Sunday roast at this hotel pub is a hot ticket – and includes a fab signature mushroom and cashew wellington for veggies.
A pint? Oaks session bitter, by Barsham Brewery, £5.85
Dog friendly? Yes, and in the majority of the hotel rooms too
More info: thehostearms.com
The Hero, Burnham-Overy-Staithe, Norfolk
Just north of well-heeled Burnham Market, foodie pub The Hero is a dog-loving, laid-back retreat, half-an-hour’s walk from the custard-coloured sand dunes of Holkham Beach.
The menu is confident and gloriously uncomplicated; how does a Guinness and horseradish rarebit sandwich sound?
A pint? Wherry amber ale, by Woodeforde’s Brewery, £5.25
Dog friendly? Yes, ask for the dog biscuits
More info: theheroburnhamovery.co.uk
The Bell Inn, St Olaves, Norfolk
Patrons used to catch the ferry across the River Waveney to reach the 16th century Bell Inn in St Olaves; business was brisk then and it still is now, thanks to its locally brewed ales, open fires and home cooked grub.
The fish and chips are delicious, say regulars.
A pint? Southwold Bitter, by Adnams, £5.75
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: bellinn-stolaves.co.uk
The Angel, Watlington, Norfolk
This charming pub has two AA rosettes for culinary excellence and is striving for a third. Inside, the decor is unique, with lively upholstery on the sofas blending with plenty of original features.
There’s a different cask ale every week and over 70 bottles on the wine list, including a local blueberry tipple.
Add in the friendly staff and it’s easy to see why this village pub close to King’s Lynn is a triumph.
A pint? Edith Cavell golden, by Wolf Brewery, £4
Dog friendly? Yes, everywhere
More info: theangelatwatlington.co.uk
Scotland
Kay’s Bar, 39 Jamaica Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Once home to wine merchants John Kay and Sons, this little pub has a reputation for serving the best pint of Guinness in Edinburgh.
Wine expert Olly Smith is partial to a visit.
‘It’s tiny, cosy and has a wonderful range of whisky. This tucked-away haven is the perfect place for a discreet meeting when the weather turns frosty. Check out the library at the back for even greater privacy.’
A pint? Jarl, by Fyne Ales Brewery, £5.80
Dog friendly? Very, and there’s a jar of dog treats on the bar
More info: kaysbar.uk
The Kinneuchar Inn, Kilconquhar, Fife
A Christmas do led top Scottish chef Tom Tsappis, who owns raved-about Killiecrankie House in Perthshire, to this 17th-century gastro pub and he hasn’t stopped going back since.
‘I always recommend it; it has a wonderfully friendly and warm vibe, the food is made from scratch, with moreish charcuterie and pork scratchings. Our staff are still dreaming about the venison pie.’
A pint? The house Curling Stone pale ale, made with Futtle Brewery, £5.20
Dog friendly? Yes, on one side of restaurant
More info: kinneucharinn.com
The Taybank, Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross
The name gives away the water-side setting of this early 19th-century retreat; it sits on the banks of the Tay. Scottish chef Tom Tsappis says the pub has become his pick of local pubs.
‘Our go-to when we have friends and family in town, it’s more than a pub as it has beautiful rooms as well, but being local, we tend to go for the food and the ambience.
‘The dishes are hearty and full of flavour, utilising produce from their kitchen garden, and they have music nights and outdoor cinema evenings in the summer.’
A pint? Happy Chappy pale ale, by Cromarty Brewing Co, £5.60
Dog friendly? Yes, in all areas
More info: thetaybank.co.uk
The Arch Inn, Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty
Until the 70s, this popular white-painted Highland retreat was an Inn and store for fishermen coming off Lake Broom with their catch.
Renowned Scottish chef David Smith tells us it’s now a prime spot for locals and tourists alike: ‘With its fantastic lake views, where would be better to have a pint of beer? I love spending a Sunday afternoon in the summer out front watching the world go by.’
Local distillery, the Highland Liquor Company, crafts many of the spirits on offer.
A pint? Session White IPA, Cromarty Brewing Co, £4.90
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: thearchinn.co.uk
The Steading Bar, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire
Fancy a wee dram after a Cairngorm ramble? The Steading Bar, run by Lynne and Marc Lino, is much-loved by locals in this part of Aberdeenshire, with the regal residents at Balmoral having been known to frequent it when in the area.
There’s a beautiful beer garden for summer nights and a cosy hearth for winter ones. The whisky selection is impressive, and the food is wholesome, with pies from local butcher Sheridan’s on the menu.
A pint? Cairngorm Gold at £5.20 (for a 500ml bottle)
Dog friendly? Very, allowed everywhere
More info: steadingbar.com
The Clachan, Loch Lomond, Stirlingshire
This Loch Lomond favourite stakes a claim at being the oldest licensed pub in Scotland – trading from 1734.
Today, it’s family-run, stacked with good whisky and pretty as a picture, with pub classics on the menu and a pizza oven in the kitchen too. There’s accommodation, ideal for walkers, too.
A pint? Belhaven Black stout, by Belhaven Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar
More info: clachaninndrymen.co.uk
Hillend Tavern, Dalgety Bay, Fife
Locals call it ‘the Tav’, and this snug real ale pub in Dalgety Bay – with a passion for supporting local sports teams – has scooped plenty of awards for its cask beers and homely atmosphere, including Scottish ‘Pub of the Year’ in the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Awards 2024.
There’s a covered beer garden in the summer and toasty coal fires in winter; a swanky gastropub it isn’t but this is just perfect if you’re a pub purist.
A pint? Happy Chappy pale ale, by Cromarty Brewing Co, £4.40
Dog friendly? Yes, the owners own pets are wandering around too
More info: hillendtavern.co.uk
Macgochans, Tobermory, Argyll and Bute
Live music, sea views, and a charming beer garden, this former fisherman’s cottage attracts tourists in summer and the locals year-round.
Plenty of the whisky served up comes from nearby Tobermory Distillery and the seafood arrives from the bay you’ll overlook while nursing a wee dram.
Argyll & Bute category winner in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024, the cocktails are fine too.
A pint? Gobhar Odhar, by Ardgour Ales, £5.75
Dog friendly? Yes
More info: macgochans-tobermory.co.uk
Ma Cameron’s, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
The snug at the front of Ma Camerons is thought to be Aberdeen’s oldest watering hole, dating back 300 years – and the rest of this pub is a warren of other rooms to discover, including a secret rooftop beer garden.
The downtown pub with an ‘everyone’s welcome’ vibe, serves up pub classics, plus a veggie haggis.
A pint? Ma Cameron’s pale ale, by Greene King, £4.95
Dog friendly? Yes, in some areas of the pub
More info: belhaven.co.uk/pubs/aberdeenshire/ma-camerons
Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge, Scottish Borders
Question about the beers? The staff at Cross Keys Inn, seven miles from Selkirk, are a clever bunch who can talk through the Scottish breweries and distilleries that are the mainstay of the drinks at this traditional Borders pub.
If you’re keen to linger, there are seven bedrooms.
A pint? Pale Armadillo Session IPA, by Tempest Brewing Co, £5.50.
Dog friendly? Yes, in the main bar, and three of the guest rooms
More info: crosskeysinnettrickbridge.com
Wales
Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Ceredigion
Seven miles from Aberystwyth, Y Ffarmers has been a freehold pub since the 17th Century. Devastated by a fire in 2017, the pub is flourishing now, with owners Caitlin Morse and Lewis Johnston at the helm.
Welsh chef Nathan Davies recommends it, saying: ‘We’re very lucky to have such a great local pub in Y Ffarmers; I particularly love the fabulous Sunday lunch, which uses lovely local produce and local suppliers.’
A pint? Hoppy Pale, by Bragdy Dwy Afon – Two Rivers Brewery, £4.40
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar and outdoor areas
More info: yffarmers.co.uk
The Black Bear Inn, near Usk, Monmouthshire
MasterChef winner and Wahaca founder Thomasina Miers recommends The Black Bear Inn, close to the Victorian market town of Usk, which serves up Maldon rock oysters, rarebit and potted wild boar on toast as part of its lighter bites menu.
But it’s the dinner menu that got Miers hooked.
‘The husband and wife team who run it have incredible culinary heritage. Expect top quality food using very local ingredients at some extremely reasonable prices in the most breathtakingly beautiful part of Monmouthshire.’
A pint? Butty Bach, by Wye Valley Brewery, £4.20
Dog friendly? Yes, well behaved dogs welcome
More info: theblackbearinn.co.uk
Tafarn Sinc, Bryn Ter, Pembrokeshire
Sitting in the romantic Preseli Hills, Tafarn Sinc is now community-owned having been rescued from a perilous future in 2017.
The welcome is warm, the setting toasty – you’ll spot a different trinket (including old pictures, kiln jars and oil lamps) each time you visit – and the food and drink a match for the chocolate box setting.
A pint? Anything on by Bluestone Brewery, £4.60
Dog friendly? Yes, there’s a dedicated area for well-behaved pets by the bar
More info: tafarnsinc.cymru
Nag’s Head Inn, Abercych, Pembrokeshire
It’s tricky to get a table at the Nag’s Head Inn, a gastropub with four en-suite rooms that sits in the rolling Cych Valley near Cenarth Falls.
Family-owned, it’s a Welsh traditional inn, all oak beams, flagstone floors and log fires, that delivers a warm ‘croeso’ (welcome). There’s great local fare, including a Welsh Lamb Rump Sizzler, alongside more modern dishes such as chicken katsu.
The cheese comes from nearby Caws Cenarth, a local supplier said to be appreciated by the King.
A pint? Moho pale ale, by Mantle Brewery, £4.80
Dog friendly? Outdoor areas only
More info: nagsheadabercych.co.uk
Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay, Pembrokeshire
The best Welsh pub according to The Campaign for Real Ale’s most recent list, this Grade-II, 19th-century pub lies a short drive from Tenby and has long been on the map of walkers.
There’s no food (although there are pop-ups, including riverside BBQs) but an array of drinks are served up from the Victorian public bar.
Be warned though, it’s for purists only, with a no kids, no dogs rule.
A pint? Jemima’s Pitchfork, by Glamorgan Brewing Company, £4
Dog friendly? No
More info: Call 01646 629904
The Cottage Loaf, Llandudno, Conwy
This seaside town pub feels like it should be in the middle of the country, thanks to its olde worlde beams, impressive cask ales and open fires.
Known as ‘The Loaf’, the pub’s taps hold an impressive pick of local ales, including the Great Orme Brewery in Llandudno.
A pint? Elderflower ale/Cwrw Ysgawen, by Purple Moose Brewery, £5.20
Dog friendly? No, just outside
More info: the-cottageloaf.co.uk
The Boat at Erbistock, Wrexham
On the banks of the swirling River Dee, you’re likely to share space at the bar with canoeists, walkers, doggies and cyclists.
The 17th-century riverside inn hasa labyrinth of rooms. Pub classics (ham, egg and chips) and bistro dishes (Asian pepper steak salad) sit happily together on the menu, and the house red is a decent Nero D’Avola.
A pint? Seren, by Big Hand Brewing, £4.65
Dog friendly? Yes, in certain areas
More info: theboataterbistock.co.uk
Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd
Accessible by foot only, the 20-minute walk from the nearest car park to this deeply scenic red-hued, shore-side pub makes the first sip even more enjoyable.
On the north coast of the pretty LLŷn Peninsula, there are sweeping views of the water and a nautical theme inside, including jugs and jars hanging from the beams.
Go for lunch, there’s no food in the evenings and doors close at 7pm weekdays.
A pint? Cask ales on rotation, usually around £5
Dog friendly? Yes, but must be on leads
More info: tycoch.co.uk
Hare and Hounds, Aberthin, Glamorgan
This 300-year country pub with serious ‘cwtch’ appeal, the Hare and Hounds serves up delicious dishes by chef Tom Watts-Jones, who played in the pub garden as a child.
Everything is made from scratch, from fresh ribbons of pasta to cultured butter. Real ales are all local, as is the cider.
A pint? Hereford Pale Ale, by Wye Valley Brewery, £4.50
Dog friendly? Yes, in the bar and garden
More info: hareandhoundsaberthin.com
The Felin Fach Griffin, Felinfach, Powys
Four real ales constantly rotate at The Felin Fach Griffin with Butty Bach – meaning ‘little friend’, one of the pub’s bestsellers.
Close to Hay-on-Wye, this striking red pub with eight rooms, named in the latest Top 50 Gastropubs listing, lies between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons in a landscape that invites a slower pace.
The supper menu includes dishes such as Creedy Carver duck breast and cauliflower and Caerphilly cheese soup.
A pint? Butty Bach, by Wye Valley Brewery, £4.85
Dog friendly? Yes, very
More info: felinfachgriffin.co.uk
