The Ashford Arms, Ashford in the Water, Derbyshire
Nestled in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, the Ashford Arms reopened in March 2024 after a significant renovation.
Blending heritage charm with modern design, it offers a warm, stylish, and welcoming atmosphere.
Founded by Rob Hattersley and Steve Atkinson, Longbow Venues prioritises people over profits, focusing on wellbeing, fair pay, and internal promotion.
Staff are empowered to enhance guest experiences with thoughtful touches. Recognised by The Sunday Times as a top workplace, the venue delivers premium country pub food by executive chef Adrian Gagea, using seasonal, local ingredients. It’s a relaxed yet refined spot for walkers and diners alike.
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire
A 15th-century pub, the Fleece Inn offers an authentic country pub experience rich in history and character.
Owned by the National Trust and run by Nigel Smith for more than 21 years, it’s a CAMRA-recognised heritage site with a warm, community-focused ethos.
The pub blends historic charm with genuine hospitality, where staff create real connections with guests.
Its unique atmosphere features low beams, roaring fires, and vintage artefacts. Celebrating local produce and seasonal ingredients, the Fleece serves classic British dishes, including award-winning pies.
It’s a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering timeless comfort and culture.
The Sun Inn, Great Easton, Leicestershire
A Grade II-listed pub in Great Easton, the Sun Inn champions a ‘local-first’ ethos in sourcing food, drinks, and recruiting staff.
With its own nearby farm, the pub offers full pasture-to-plate traceability and low food miles.
Refurbished in 2019, the pub blends rustic charm with modern hospitality, features cosy interiors, a pizza oven and private dining rooms. Guests travel for its seasonal dishes, curated drinks and welcoming atmosphere.
The Sun Inn is a thriving family business that is popular with locals, who donate their homegrown produce to be incorporated into the pubs dishes and destination diners alike.
The Tally Ho Inn, Bouldon, Shropshire
This charming 18th-century country inn in south Shropshire’s Corvedale Valley, offers cosy hospitality and locally sourced food in a picturesque setting.
With a daily changing menu focused on sustainability and provenance, the Tally Ho Inn appeals to both locals and destination diners.
Inside, it features traditional pub décor, roaring fires and historic artefacts, while the walled garden offers stunning views and peaceful evenings.
Run by Mark and Sarah Harris, who also manage the Pheasant at Neenton, the pub is a community hub with friendly staff and local brews. Their passion continues to shape a welcoming, characterful rural retreat.
The Tollemache Inn, Harrington, Northamptonshire
The 2024 Best Country Pub and Great British Pub of the Year, the Tollemache Arms is a 16th-century pub in Harrington that blends historic charm with modern flair.
Its standout features include a thatched roof, spacious beer garden, and The Orchard Barn - an eco-friendly timber structure for year-round outdoor dining. A converted shipping container adds a seasonal bar and kitchen.
Inside, cosy lounges and airy dining spaces offer comfort and character. The pub is family-friendly, welcoming all with warm hospitality and locally sourced, seasonal dishes.
Herbs and fruits from the garden enhance the menu and dietary needs are thoughtfully catered for. The Tolly is a destination for great food, relaxed atmosphere, and memorable experiences.
The Turkey Inn, Laycock, West Yorkshire
Located in Goose Eye near Laycock, West Yorkshire, the Turkey Inn is a welcoming country pub serving locally brewed ales and hearty homecooked food.
Saved from closure in 2020 by owners Steve Mortimer and Fay Howell, it blends rich industrial heritage with warm, modern hospitality.
Family- and dog-friendly, it’s a popular spot for walkers and locals, offering cosy corners, roaring fires, and a lively beer garden by a stream.
The pub’s character shines through its historic layout, barrel-made bar, and handcrafted furnishings.
Committed to local sourcing and community spirit, the Turkey Inn delivers a true Yorkshire experience for all visitors.
