The Tudor Arms’ location gives a clue to its history. Starting out as an 18th-century farmhouse, its on-site cider-making facilities found favour with the Irish navvies hand-digging the adjoining Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Its sustenance-provision role expanded over the decades until a full drinks licence was obtained in the 1950s.

More recently, its hospitality has been recognised with a string of CAMRA Gloucestershire Country Pub of the Year awards starting in 2007 (a Tudor dynasty?). Choice ale and cider offerings refresh whether you’re doing thirsty work or taking in a walk, the aforementioned waterway making for a pleasant stroll. Hearty, high-end food assuages appetites big and small while very impressive onsite accommodation ensures sweet dreams for young and old alike.

Numerous areas provide something for everyone: the hayloft’s funky sofas are perfect for families; smokers get stylish shelter and windbreaks; while the skittle alley doubles as a function room hosting parties, wakes and more.

Slimbridge’s proximity ensures birdwatchers enjoy stunning sights overhead while the eagle-eyed would have spotted Jude Law dropping in before now. Twitchers and Tweeters will find the Tudor Arms to die for. (Words Simon Fry; pics Mark Simmons)
 

The information

Lager Fosters, Becks Vier, Stella. Stella 4. From £2.95.

Beer Uley Pigs Ear, Wadworth 6X plus four guests e.g. Wye Valley, Severn Vale. From £2.60.

Cider Black Rat, Broadoak KB/Draught/Perry, Thatchers Heritage, West Country Perry. £2.35.

Wine Six red, seven white. From: £2.50 gls/£10.90 btl.
Food Served daily 12noon-9pm. High-end pub food. Breaded camembert bites £5.10, chef’s pie of the day £9.50, 8oz gammon steak £9.75, battered haddock £8.25, chef’s curry of the day £9.25, five-bean chilli £8.95.

TUDOR ARMS SHEPHERDS PATCH, SLIMBRIDGE, GLOS, GL2 7BP. TEL: 01453 890306, WEB: WWW.THETUDORARMS.CO.UK OPEN MON-SAT 11AM-11PM, SUN 12NOON-11PM.
 

Copyright Simon Fry 2011; pics Mark Simmons 2011, www.marksimmonsphotography.co.uk

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