ACORN INN
Evershot, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0JW. Tel: 01935 83228, web: www.acorn-inn.co.uk • The inn Hardy referred to as The Sow and Acorn in ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’. The sense of history is everywhere, in the extensive oak panelling, open fires, beamed ceilings and flagstone floors, while a cellar installed in recent years ensures your drink is in the finest possible condition when it reaches you. Once you’re finished in the beautiful, leather seat-lined bar, you can retire to one of 10 guest rooms, including a private loft suite. There’s room for 45 in the restaurant, and a private dining room also used for breakfasts. Wi-fi. Cider festival August bank holiday Monday (16 varieties at last year’s event). Rooms from £99 including breakfast, and £159 for the loft suite.
BLUE BALL INN
Steven’s Cross, Sidford, Devon, EX10 9QL. Tel: 01395 514062, web: www.blueballinn.net • Hundredth anniversary ahoy! This pub is still run by the same family that first took the reins in 1912, though the pub itself goes all the way back to 1385 (just check out that thatch, cob and flint restoration). Sadly, the pub was destroyed in March 2006, but it was lovingly restored in Sept 2007 and is still going strong now, thanks in no small part to the fantastic reputation of its large restaurant and bar (complete with heaters and covers for smokers). Devon has plenty to offer the adventurous tripper – including the beautiful seaside towns of Beer, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton – and a single room here, including breakfast, will set you back just £60 (double £95).
THE CARY ARMS
Babbacombe Beach, South Devon, TQ1 3LX. Tel: 01803 327110, web: www.caryarms.co.uk • Relive those childhood memories of quintessential English beach holidays, but in slightly more sophisticated, boutique-style surroundings. The Cary Arms sits right on Devon’s gorgeous Babbacombe beach (check out that address), so there’s nothing between your window and the sea. Rooms are gloriously elegant yet with an undeniable seaside flavour and the menu features a whole array of fresh Cornish fish. The Cask Marque-accredited bar serves up to five real ales in high season, one or two in the winter plus 40-50 wines. October brings the internationally-renowned Dartmouth Food Festival a few miles south of here. Rooms start at £155pn.
THE CASTLE INN
Castle Combe, Wilts, SN14 7HN. Tel: 01249 783030, web: www.castle-inn.info/index.html • This 12th-century building is a breathtakingly pretty sight on the roadside and contains plenty of delights beyond: an inviting, cosy bar, pub/bar menu during the day and a la carte in the evening and a courtyard round the back amongst them. Eleven highly comfortable rooms come with the likes of a Victorian slipper bath, flatscreen TVs and personal tea- and coffee-making facilities. From £115pn for a standard double.
CRAZY BEAR AND RAGGED STAFF
Bear Lane, Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, OX44 7UR. Tel: 01865 890714, web: www.crazybeargroup.co.uk • Now this really is a special one, and quite certain to set even the hardest heart a flutter with its elegantly furnished suites. The restaurant is nothing short of superb, the bar and beer garden are beautifully kept and furnished, and all the rooms gloriously romantic. Top of the list has to be the Infinity Suite, the ultimate in decadence that comes complete with crushed velvet walls, leather floors and a bath that fills from the ceiling. It will set you back £345 though, plus VAT. Slightly less extravagant but nonetheless lovely doubles begin at £150 (plus VAT).
GEORGE INN
Chardstock, Axminster, Devon, EX13 7BX. Tel: 01460 220241 • Ever with its finger on the pulse, DOW spoke to the new management at this 15th-century inn perched on the borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset less than three hours after they arrived. Legend has it the building started life as a church and the worshippers would end their reverence with a sample of the warden’s home brew. These days, the George’s commitment to authentic pub history is practically religious: graffiti in the snug and lounge bar have names and initials of generations of local families, and the lounge’s linenfold (a style of relief carving) is considered one of the nation’s best. Ales are all taken from the local area and food is in the traditional English style. Entertainment includes a skittle alley and a village street fair plus duck race on 3 September. The new man is keen to upgrade accommodation facilities but not raise prices which are: double room £63, single £48 (both include breakfast).
GLOBE INN
Frogmore, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2NR. Tel: 01548 531351 • Landlady Linda hails from Edmonton, Alberta and has brought the Canadians’ reputation for warm hospitality with her. This 18th-century inn boasts eight neat en suite bedrooms and an inviting restaurant/bar. Kingsbridge butcher Durrant’s supply the choice cuts sizzling on the barbecue (weather permitting) and there are even pizzas to eat on site or take away. Homemade food is accompanied by some well-chosen wines, with draughts including Otter, Betty Stogs (CAMRA champ in 2008 and with some beguiling folklore behind its name) and Heron Valley cider (rated highly by those trustworthy people at The Independent). Attractive terrace garden installed in July 2010, two car parks mean parking’s easy, two folk nights monthly mean the listening’s easy too. No cats; dogs by arrangement. Double £80 (single £50) includes breakfast.
GREYHOUND INN
Llantrissant, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1LE. Tel: 01291 672505, web: www.greyhound-inn.com • This 17th-century Welsh longhouse is bedecked in flowering finery come summer and is surrounded by the beautiful Usk Valley’s woodland and pastures. Ten en suite rooms are situated in an old stone stable-block, with two adapted for disabled visitors, and combine the rustic charm of the inn with all modern comforts. Smashing bar serves Abbot, Bass, Flowers plus guest, menu sourced from local ingredients. Rooms £84 per night for double occupancy, £64 for singles, includes breakfast and VAT.
HALF MOON INN
Llanthony, nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7NN. Tel: 01873 890611, web: www.llanthony.co.uk • The best way to take in the sweeping environs of the Brecon Beacons has to be on foot or horseback, and the Half Moon Inn provides just the opportunity to do that. With the Llanthony Riding & Trekking Centre so close, this is a proper, unspoilt B&B in a pub that can offer you hearty food, Bull Mastiff and guest on tap and some bracing walks in any direction from your front door. From £55 for a double, £35 for a single.
HALZEPHRON INN
Gunwalloe, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7QB. Tel 01326 240406 • Smashing Cornish Inn under the guidance of Mrs Angela Thomas for some 15 years now, offering stunning views from the Lizard peninsula, with the courtyard terrace facing Land’s End. Has won Cornwall Dining Pub of the Year twice thanks to some seriously good, authentic Cornish grub. There are two snug cottage-style rooms available, with a double B&B at £90 including VAT: lovely countryside views come free of charge.
INN WITH THE WELL
Marlborough Rd, Ogbourne St George, Marlborough, Wilts, SN8 1SQ. Tel: 01672 841445 • So called because it has its own original well, set with bulletproof glass on which you can stand and peer down into the murky depths below. Set on the Ridgeway path in the heart of the rolling Marlborough Downs and not too far away from the Marlborough Jazz Festival come 9 July. Accommodation comprises six rooms with en suite bathrooms, each coming complete with its own duck. Bar serves 6X and two guests. Doubles from £62.50pn.
JUBILEE
Pelynt, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2JZ. Tel: 01503 220312, web: www.jubilee-inn.co.uk • Originally The Axe, but changed to The Jubilee in recognition of Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in 1887. These days you’ll find 11 rooms, including a bridal suite and the rather special Queen Anne double (with antique Queen Anne bed), each with a private bathroom and individually furnished. Within the pub, open fires and oak-beamed roofing bestow a homely and comfortable air. Drinkers get three St Austell Brewery aces – Tribute, Black Prince and Proper Job – as well as Dartmoor, from the Dartmoor Brewery, made at 1,400 feet at the country’s highest brewery. Well-placed for Looe and the Eden Project. Double from £85 (£52.50 single occupancy) in high season, including brekkie.
KINGS HEAD INN
Bledington, Oxfordshire, OX7 6XQ. Tel: 01608 658365, web: www.kingsheadinn.net • This 16th-century cider house is situated slap bang in the middle of the village green, and makes a rich and vibrant centre to the community. Find all the coveted countryside signifiers both inside and out – brook, ducks, oak beams, Cotswold stone walls and original inglenook fireplace. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished in line with the inn’s character, the restaurant renowned for its locally sourced, quality food. June brings the annual Bledington Music Festival (a mini-Proms, if you will), and don’t forget that vase in the attic if you’re here on 4 November when there’s a Bonhams valuation day at the village’s hall. Double rooms from £90pn.
LLANTHONY PRIORY HOTEL
Llanthony, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 7NN. Tel: 01873 890487, web: www.llanthonyprioryhotel.co.uk • Nestled at the foot of the Black Mountains in the Honddu Valley, this hotel was once part of the Priory, built by Augustinian Monks in the 12th century. It makes for quite the atmospheric stay, with narrow spiral stairs weaving up to the tower bedrooms, and with the Offa’s Dyke Trail close by, it’s very popular with both walkers and cyclists. Three draught ales include Double Dragon. No children under 10, no dogs. Rooms from £80pn.
THE MASON’S ARMS
Branscombe Village, Devon, EX12 3DJ. Tel: 01297 680300, web: www.masonsarms.co.uk • Award-winning 14th-century inn amid idyllic, picturesque Branscombe. Plenty of great clifftop walks just minutes from the door to work up a real appetite for the hearty, locally sourced food provided at the inn. 15-17 July heralds a seven-cider, 24-real-ale-strong drink festival also bringing barbecues. Double rooms vary from £85 for the cheaper rooms to £175 for the luxury four-poster rooms, with big discounts for out-of-season stays.
THE MUSEUM INN
Farnham, nr Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DE. Tel: 01725 516261, web: www.museuminn.co.uk • Voted English Inn of the Year by the Good Hotel Guide in 2005, among the nation’s top 10 according to The Independent and praised by Michelin in 2011. We could go on. The comfort provided here includes everything from homemade biscuits and organic chocolate to magazines and power showers in the private bathrooms. Rooms are in keeping with the elegant and traditional feel of the bar, where you can sup on Sixpenny Best among other ales. Rooms from £110pn, including full English.
OLD FERRY
Boddinnick-by-Fowey, South Cornwall, PL23 1LX. Tel: 01726 870237 • There’s been a ferry crossing in Boddinick since the 13th century, hence the name of this marvellous little inn (though it’s only been here for a mere 400 years or so). This is right in the heart of Du Maurier country, though you don’t have to worry about the grim and glum side of Daphne’s outlook when in this bar’s cosy and welcoming embrace. Both a la carte and bar menus are available, as well as a glorious lounge where French doors open onto the south-facing terrace. The view continues down the river to the sea, a truly special sight that remains in sun all day. Twelve rooms range from a Victorian four-poster to a spacious family room. Double prices range from £90-105.
THE QUARRYMAN’S ARMS
Box Hill, Corsham, Wilts, SN13 8HN. Tel: 01225 743569 • Traditional country pub with a warm and friendly spirit, welcoming single guests, families and business trippers with equal bonhomie. Accommodation is roomy, restful and brings resolve: while staying here one mysterious American lady chose the path for the rest of her life; she ran away with him. Excellent menu. Architectural intrigue within includes a fireplace based on a Box Tunnel portal and an arched doorway hinting at Dark Ages peasant dwelling usage while the beer garden comes complete with handmade local benches. Four en suite doubles from £72.50.
RED LION HOTEL
Clovelly, North Devon, EX39 5TF. Tel: 01237 431237, web: www.clovelly.co.uk • There’s plenty of history to absorb at this 18th-century hostelry on the 14th-century quayside, just a stone’s throw from an attractive shingle beach. The 11 rooms all enjoy either a sea or harbour view, so you never have to feel too far from the big blue. B&B from £70.75pp for one night, or £65.50 for two nights or more with dinner rates being £98.75 and £94 accordingly.
ROCK INN
Haytor Vale, Dartmoor National Park, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9XP. Tel: 01364 661305 • You’ll never feel far from nature at the Rock Inn, where all you have to do is step outside the front door and instantly be amid Dartmoor’s wilderness. There’s plenty of robust walking to be done, after which you can return to this mid-17th-century coaching inn’s irresistibly welcoming dining room. Exeter or Plymouth are just a short spin away though, should all that peace and quiet get to you. Doubles from £80 including breakfast and VAT.
THE ROSE AND CROWN INN
Tintern, nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6SE. Tel: 01291 689254, web: www.tintern.org.uk/rose.htm • Rugby devotee and landlord Dave Stafford prides himself on the quality of the 100% Welsh beef served at this steakhouse. The 16oz t-bone is something of a challenge, the 8oz fillet significantly less so. Family-, dog- and child-friendly, and provides a great spot from which to trot up the river Wye and the Tintern Trail or just mooch around the shops in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Draught ales are Abbot, Butcombe, Bass and guest. Rooms from £25pppn, including breakfast.
THE SHAVE CROSS INN
Shave Cross, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HW. Tel: 01308 868358, web: www.theshavecrossinn.co.uk • There are plenty of old and older inns featured in this guide, so we thought we’d throw in a brand spanking new one. Built from Dorset flint stone in the spirit of a 700-year-old inn, this young contender is no lightweight: it’s already been awarded with two CAMRA Pub of the Year awards for its top-notch real ales and ciders, and has won many an accolade for the Shavers Restaurant, which serves international cuisine. The garden is something a little bit special, too. Seven en suite rooms available (including two honeymoon suites), and situated just three miles from the world heritage Jurassic Coast. Double room from £160 (single occupancy is 40% the cost of double).
THE STAPLETON ARMS
Church Hill, Buckhorn Weston, Dorset, SP8 5HS. Tel: 01963 370396, web: www.thestapletonarms.com • The Stapleton sits on the edge of the idyllic Blackmore Vale, a stunning region of unspoilt pastures and fields making for many a rambler’s fantasy. The Stapleton itself houses a fine bar with top-notch ales and ciders, the excellent menus including highly recommended homemade pork pies and pickles. A couple of nights monthly offer music or particular dining; June brought what sounded like a fantastic rib-and-bourbon night, 15 July will be a lobster night. Four individually styled en suite rooms, complete with Egyptian cotton sheets, ensure you’ll sleep as well as you eat and drink. From £110 on a weekend for the first night (midweek rates also offered).
STAR INN
Talybont-on-Usk, nr Brecon, Powys, LD3 7YX. Tel: 01874 676635 • The Brecknock CAMRA pub of the year in 2009, 2010 and 2011, this is a veritable mecca for beer lovers nationally, serving as it does between 400-500 brews each year. (A beer festival running from 14-16 Oct 2011 will have over 25 ales up for being downed plus good homecooked food and plenty of live music – regular attractions here.) The Brecon and Monmouth Canal runs beside the charming beer garden, with a smoking shelter due to be built ahead of the coming winter. Two letting rooms, both with en suite and free wi-fi, from £60 per double (£45 single occupancy).
TOM COBLEY
Spreyton, Devon, EX17 5AL. Tel: 01647 231314 • A firm CAMRA fave, having been awarded National Pub of the Year in the 2006, as well as area Pub of the Year in 2007 and 2009. Around 14 ales on tap – usually eight regulars and six guests – meaning this is one the ale lovers really can’t afford to miss. The inn has seven upstairs letting bedrooms, providing a perfect jumping-off point for visits to the historic market towns of Crediton and Okehampton as well as Dartmoor’s rugged expanses. A thriving village pub, with a modest bar and a spacious dining room at the rear, it’s proud not to have a pool table or jukebox to mar the ambience, though it has made room for a dartboard. From £30pppn non-en suite.
WATERMANS ARMS
Bow Bridge, Ashprington, Totnes, South Devon, TQ9 7EG. Tel: 01803 732214 • This 17th-century inn nestles by the nascent Bow Creek on a site mentioned in the Domesday Book. When it’s quiet, kingfishers dart, but it’s not always quiet. The pub was once home to a notorious press gang and it has been used as a smithy and prison, but expect even more noise come late May 2012 when up to 1,000 spectators are likely to gather for tug-of-war competitions across the creek. This year’s winning women were ‘Tug That!’ – congrats, ladies. Before that, early May 2012 sees a fete and before that, August bank holiday 2011 sees an inflatable crocodile race in honour of Keith Floyd – a long story. Doubtless much beer will be sunk and there are three on here at any time from which to choose. The chefs are proud of their commitment to using local produce wherever possible, and the landlord reckons they could squeeze 200 people into this inn’s massive beer garden. Rooms priced up to £50 in high season.
WHITE LION INN
High St, Bourton, Dorset, SP8 5AT. Tel: 01747 840866 • There’s much to fall in love with in charming Bourton, not least this fine 18th-century coaching house on its main street. In fact, it’s Dorset’s most northerly inn. At the bar you’ll find Doom Bar, Otter and changing guest and, in the restaurant, a quality but good-value a la carte and bar menu. Child-friendly, with full disabled access and facilities. Letting rooms from £55 a night.
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