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The Acorn Inn
This 16th Century coaching inn in the sleepy village of Evershot in Dorset – featured in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles - is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike.
Beyond the pub’s charming exterior you’ll find a welcoming bar, a two AA-rosette restaurant and 10 cosy bedrooms run by management team Natalie and Richard Legg for owner Red Carnation Hotels.
Recent conversion of a former skittle alley has provided additional space for events, including its much-loved weekly burger and beer night and globally-inspired themed dinners created by the Acorn’s Portuguese head chef Ana Martins.
The Fleece Inn
Owned by the National Trust and run by the formidable Nigel Smith, the Fleece sits in the heart of the Worcestershire village of Bretforton where it does plenty to serve its local community.
Dating back to the 15th century, the Fleece boasts historically charming interiors – low beams, flagstone floors, roaring fires and vintage artefacts – where locals and visitors from further afield can enjoy a pint of real ale and one of its homemade pies.
The CAMRA-recognised pub’s orchard is home to its beer garden and apple trees that produce fruit to make its own cider, celebrated at its annual wassail, while a converted barn on the grounds hosts a wide range of events and local groups all year round.
The Mutton at Hazeley Heath
The Mutton offers a contemporary take on the traditional British country pub with elegant interiors designed by Jojo Barr enhancing the original features (low-beamed ceilings and open fires) of this Georgian inn.
Run by The Fat Duck alumni Ed Cooke and Hannah Macleay, there’s an unsurprising focus on quality food and wine, with breakfast, a prix-fixe, à la carte and firepit menus available to attract locals and destination diners.
Its tranquil garden overlooks Hazeley Farm while there’s more space set aside for al fresco dining and drinking on its terrace complete with bar and OFYR barbecue.
The Old Hall & Paper Mill Inn
These two Peak District pubs sit just across the street from one another in the picturesque hamlet of Chinley, nestled between Eccles Pike and Cracken Edge.
Rescued from receivership and returned to its former glory by owner Dan Capper, 16th century coach house, Old Hall Inn offers a warm welcome to all guests, whether they are popping in for a pint of one of its 15 ales and ciders; stopping for lunch; attending a steak night, or staying over in one of its 12 guest rooms.
It’s sister pub The Paper Mill – just the other side of the Old Hall’s recently landscaped beer garden, comes alive in the evening, serving pizzas fresh from its bespoke pizza oven to eat in with a beer or bottle of wine, or taken away.
The Red Lion
Situated at the edge of the village of Cranford is this characterful sandstone Grade-II listed pub, operated by the Greedy Gordon’s Group in partnership with Punch.
A recent joint investment has financed an interior refresh which has also seen every inch of space in the pub and its conservatory dining room maximised, so it can continue to welcome its regular mix of locals and visitors from further afield for a bite to eat or a quiet pint.
Its small terraced garden full of beautiful pollinator-friendly blooms, leads to a 120-cover garden bar and restaurant – known as the Crab Shack in the summer and morphing into a Bavarian Beerhouse during the cooler months.
The Tollemache Arms
This 16th century thatched pub, tucked away in the village of Harrington, prides itself on providing a warm welcome to customers whether they’re visiting for a meal in its restaurant, or a pint in the cosy lounge or extensive gardens.
Named Great British Pub of the year in 2024, ‘The Tolly’ as it’s affectionately known, has spent the last two years improving its outside area – the Orchard Barn and Tollywood, aka a covered dining space and its gardens.
Alongside its core offering, owners Flo Pearce and Joe Buckley put on a wide roster of events, including fireside feasts, comedy nights and annual Tolly Fest. They are also advocates for their county, supporting local suppliers and other local businesses to help put Northamptonshire on the map.
