Falkland Arms

Great Tew, Oxfordshire

Wadworth managed house

The Falkland Arms in rural Oxfordshire is a picturesque 16th-century building that remains a vibrant local pub and guesthouse.

With flagstone floors, oak beams and an inglenook fireplace, the interior creates the cosy atmosphere of a traditional English pub. It has established a reputation for its extensive range of ales including three Wadworth beers and seven guest ales every week. It also serves a fine selection of whiskies and country wines.

"Our aim is to make people feel they have stepped back in time to a quaint village pub," says Paula Meredith, who took over as licensee in January.

Such is the "olde worlde" nature of the place, it even sells pipe tobacco and tins

of snuff. To ensure that the pub retains its traditional feel, it does not serve hot meals in the bar in the evenings. As an alternative, there are "hand-raised" pork pies and platters of bread with English cheeses. For visitors who want an evening meal, there is an intimate 12-seater dining room with a menu full of dishes cooked using fresh, locally-produced ingredients.

The Falkland Arms also has accommodation for visitors seeking a relaxing short break or romantic weekend getaway. A spiral stone stairwell leads up from the ground floor to five double rooms, including two with four-poster beds.

As well as regular music nights, the pub also has an annual beer festival, which will take place in 2008 during the first weekend in July.