Book It: Four fantastic British pubs where you can spend the night
From gastronomic delights to glorious sea views, these posh country pubs offer a getaway to remember...
The Bonnie Badger, Gullane, East Lothian
Best for… hardcore foodies (and martini fans)
The little foodie extras give this village pub-hotel its charm, from the exquisite afternoon tea served on arrival to the Thermos of hot chocolate and mini Disaronno bottle left by the bed at night. The dinner menu in the Scandi-chic restaurant (which smells beautifully of woodsmoke) looks simple and traditional at first glance, but the cooking is ambitious and brilliantly executed. Unsurprising, given that the pair behind the hotel are Scottish chef Tom Kitchin (the youngest winner of a Michelin star) and his wife Michaela. Kick off with a martini (made with local gin) and a bowl of salty pig’s ears.
Stella loves: The two-course breakfast, which begins with delicious homemade granola, local cheeses, lovely bread and jams, and finishes up with anything from a full Scottish (complete with tattie scone) to eggs royale.
Out and about: The town of Gullane is known for its golf courses, but if golf isn’t your thing take a walk along the coastline towards North Berwick. The beaches are wild and beautiful and often completely deserted.
Rooms from £195 a night, b&b, plus £25 dog surcharge; bonniebadger.com
Read the full expert review: The Bonnie Badger
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The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis, Oxfordshire
Best for... romantic weekenders
There’s more than a hint of Jamaica Inn at this romantic 18th-century inn, located near atmospheric downlands in the Vale of the White Horse region. Bedrooms are charming (with crisp white linen and natural Bramley bath products. Down in the pub there’s a cosy fireplace and the menu couldn’t be further from standard pub grub: think twice-baked cheddar soufflé, beetroot croquettes with sweet potato purée, tender guinea fowl.
Stella loves: The second-to-none food.
Out and about: The picture postcard Cotswolds villages of Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury are a short drive away. It’s also near the North Wessex Downs (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), which has stupendous views. But if you tire of country pursuits and have the urge to hit the plastic, the shopping mecca of Bicester Village is a 45-minute drive away.
Rooms from £95 a night for two people, b&b. Single occupancy discount is £15 (except weekends). Dog-friendly rooms are available; thegreyhoundletcombe.co.uk
Read the full expert review: The Greyhound Inn
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The Star and Garter, Falmouth, Cornwall
Best for… sea views
Falmouth is not short of watering holes, but this is a cut above the rest. In the heart of the old town, right beside independent shops and cafés, this truly posh gastro-pub has glorious views of the boats and sunsets on Falmouth harbour, plus its menu (featuring top-notch local produce) has won multiple awards. The modern apartments above the pub have views across the water to Flushing, smart TVs and well-stocked kitchens… Not that you need it when you’re a short stumble from the pub, which serves cracking Sunday roast. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary-fuelled bottomless brunches.
Stella loves: The homemade cakes and freshly-made bread waiting for you on arrival.
Out and about: A stone’s throw from the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall, which has various exhibitions celebrating Cornwall’s maritime heritage. Plan a day trip to nearby fishing village St Mawes, which takes 20 minutes on the ferry from Falmouth Prince of Wales Pier.
Apartments from £120 a night, self-catering; starandgarter.squarespace.com
Read the full expert review: The Star and Garter
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The Woolpack Inn, Warehorne, Kent
Best for... quirky country charm
Situated in the bucolic village of Warehorne (a 15-minute drive from Ashford), this looks like a historic country pub (indeed the building dates back to the 16th century) but inside the decor is more like a boutique design hotel. Bedrooms are quirky with whimsical touches - ours had a woodburner, plus a bathtub in the centre. After a soak, sample the artisanal gins then tuck into Romney Marsh lamb, Sussex beef, or an exceptional Kent cider chicken and ham pie, in the pub (where service is excellent)... Keep an eye out for the resident friendly ghost.
Stella loves: The art courses, offered at the pub by a local landscape artist - time your visit to coincide with them and brush up on your painting skills.
Out and about: Pack your wellington boots – the pub is ideally located above marshes amid fields of grazing sheep. The coast is also fairly close - visit Rye and Camber which are both a short drive away or head to the eerily beautiful hamlet of Dungeness (25 minutes by car).
Rooms from £90 a night, b&b; ramblinns.com
Read the full expert review: The Woolpack Inn
Edited by: Laura Powell. Reviews by: Stephen Doig, Anna Murfet and Eleanor Steafel
