18 Of The Best Country Pubs You Need To Visit
With spring turning to summer, all of us are counting the ways in which we can escape to the country, bask in the sun and sip on a fruity ale. While London has an array of wonderful pubs, sometimes escaping the crowd and heading to a hearty country pub is the only solution. We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in the green and pleasant home counties, from Michelin-starred eateries to wholesome boozers, all within a two-and-a-half-hour drive from central London.
The Ragged Robin
The newest entry on this list, The Ragged Robin is a beautifully refurbished country pub on the edge of the market town of Godalming in Surrey. Expect an extensive drinks list, featuring local ales from Surrey Hills and Hogs Back breweries, an expertly curated wine selection and seasonal cocktails inspired by the local area. The food menu is full of British classics elevated through local ingredients, like pork tomahawk, beef and ale pie and sticky toffee pudding. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, there are also 19 rooms which make for a perfect riverside retreat.
where: Guildford Rd, Godalming GU7 3BX
website: www.raggedrobin.com
The Hinds Head
Heston Blumenthal makes great things: snail porridge, bacon ice cream and… a lip-smackingly tasty menu at the 15th-century pub The Hinds Head. While some favour the three-starred restaurant The Fat Duck right next door, you can enjoy a more relaxed ambience at this sister venue. Expect traditional British dishes delivered to the very highest standard, with a firm favourite being the scotch egg.
Expect traditional British dishes delivered to the very highest standard, with a firm favourite being the scotch egg
Where: High Street, Bray, SL6 2AB
Website: www.hindsheadbray.com
The Hand and Flowers
When he’s not shedding the stones, writing stocking-filler cook books or launching his new restaurant at London’s Corinthia Hotel, Tom Kerridge can be found in leafy Marlow running one of the best pub restaurants in the country (with two Michelin stars no less). Shunning London, Kerridge launched The Hand and Flowers back in 2005, and the 17th-century pub hasn’t looked back since. Rather than heading straight back in the evening, why not take a room for the night? The Hand and Flowers has a number of cottages for guests.
Where: 126 West Street, Marlow, SL7 2BP
Website: www.thehandandflowers.co.uk
The Cricketers Arms
Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell painted murals in the church of Berwick. But that’s not the only reason to visit this cute little village. It’s also home to The Cricketers Arms, set in two 17th-century brick and flint houses. Pick a bench in a sunny spot in the garden and take in views of the South Downs. Make sure to order some locally brewed Harvey’s ale and tuck into some classic British pub fare.
Where: Berwick, Polegate, BN26 6SP
Website: www.cricketersberwick.co.uk
The Horse Guard’s Inn
This is one of our favourite pubs outside of London. A two-minute drive from Petworth in the South Downs National Park, the 350-year-old pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere–you can even roast chestnuts on the open log fires in the winter. The menu is seasonal, and everything is either sourced from local suppliers or foraged from the garden. In the garden, you’ll also find The King & I – an incredible little lifestyle cabin selling lots of lovely interior bits, upholstery and antique trinkets.
A two-minute drive from Petworth in the South Downs National Park, the 350-year-old pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Where: Upperton Road, Tillington, West Sussex, GU28 9AF
Website: www.horseguardsinn.co.uk
Galvin Green Man
You may know chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin from their multiple restaurant launches across London, including the Michelin-starred Galvin La Chapelle. Born in Romford and brought up in Brentwood, the brothers opened a pub in their own neighbourhood. Set in the Essex countryside, the Galvin Green Man is an award-winning, Bib Gourmand British pub, in a building that dates back to the 14th century. Expect pub classics and more modern dishes. You can book ahead for the restaurant, but the pub is walk-ins only.
Where: Howe Street, Great Waltham, Chelmsford, CM3 1BG
Website: www.galvinrestaurants.com
The Mutton
Perched handily on the fringe of Hazeley Heath and less than an hour by train from London, The Mutton is the ideal spot for a refreshing country ramble followed by a truly satisfying pub lunch. With open fires, exposed stone and cosy nooks inside and a beautiful pub garden with rolling views outside, this is a destination no matter the season. Perfect for hunkering down in winter or soaking up the sunshine with a glass of rosé in summer.
But the real star? Chef Rob Boer’s exceptional food. Staple English dishes are elevated with delicate flavour combinations that leave you wanting more and more (and more). One to add firmly to that city escape list.
where: Hazeley Heath, Hook, RG27 8NB
Website: www.themutton.com
The Fox and Hounds
The New Forest is a hotspot for a good old country pub (think pie and ale propped up on a wooden bench). So, if you did end up in Lyndhurst and stumble across the old-worldy high street, make sure to take a rest at The Fox and Hounds.
It’s a busy little spot, and the centre-piece of the Lyndhurst high street. It’s rustic as can be, and serves fantastic casks and ales.
Where: 22 High Street, Lyndhurst, SO43 7BG
Website: www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk
Ancient Shepherds
Set in a 16th-century pub in Fen Ditton, just outside Cambridge, Ancient Shepherds is a small foodie spot overseen by Michelin-starred chef Mark Poynton (of Caistor Hall). Choose from three set menu options, starting from just £35, with each celebrating high-quality yet straightforward ingredients. Ancient Shepherds also offers modern but pared-back accommodation, should you wish to make your visit an overnight stay.
If you’re looking for a foodie spot just outside Cambridge, this minimalist destination is all about letting the cuisine do the talking.
Natasha, Digital Editor
where: 5 High Street, Fen Ditton, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, CB5 8ST
Website: www.ancientshepherds.com
The Hare and Hounds
Sway is a quiet little place. The biggest attraction seems to be the Sway Tower, also known locally as Peterson’s Folly. Influenced by his trips to India, the eccentric Judge Peterson built the tower entirely out of concrete in the late 19th century. And if it’s this rich history you’re after, The Hare and Hounds will provide plenty. This 200-year-old coaching inn has a whole lot of character. The pub has also played host to many a beer and music festival – quite a lively village for a little’un.
Where: Durnstown, Sway, Lymington, SO41 6AL
Website: www.pubsnewforest.co.uk
Sheene Mill
Sheene Mill is based in a beautiful 16th century Mill House set on the River Mel. First and foremost this is a popular wedding venue, however, they do have lots of eating options on the side too. Gaze out over the old mill pond and Cambridgeshire countryside and indulge in afternoon tea, one of their famous Sunday roasts, or a set dinner with friends. Just remember to pre-book as these mealtimes are only available on certain dates.
Where: 39 Station Road, Melbourn, Royston SG8 6DX
Website: www.sheenemill.com
The Unruly Pig
The winner of the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs Awards this year, The Unruly Pig is a must-visit if you’re looking for a slightly quirky spot for a great meal in Suffolk. Expect fresh, seasonal British food with an Italian influence, with changing menus that differ with what’s fresh in the market each day. Some stars on the menu include the rabbit terrine and BBQ octopus for starters and for mains we love the shellfish risotto, wild mushroom pansotti or the iberico pork.
Expect fresh, seasonal British food with an Italian influence, with changing menus that differ with what’s fresh in the market each day
Where: Orford Road, Bromeswell, Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 2PU
Website: www.theunrulypig.co.uk
The Fordwich Arms
Chef-patron Daniel Smith uses local Kentish ingredients, which are sourced directly from nearby farms and producers. You can choose from a plethora of food menus including à la carte, tasting menus and two vegetarian tasting menus. There’s everything from rock oysters and raw Orkney scallop to venison with chestnut, celeriac and spiced fig.
Where: King St, Fordwich, Canterbury, CT2 0DB
Website: www.fordwicharms.co.uk
The Rose in June
Margate – the place of hipsters, Down From Londoners, and genuine artists. Follow the bohemian crowd and pick a pew on one of the benches outside The Rose in June. Kick back with a local craft beer and a quality burger. Nothing feeds the soul quite like a seaside pint. Take it from us.
Where: 49 Trinity Square, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HT
Website: www.roseinjune.com
The Smack Inn
If you do like to be beside the seaside, then get on down to Whitstable too. The Smack Inn pub is located a stone’s throw from the harbour and named after an old fishing boat. The family-friendly venue is made up of two fishermen’s cottages built in the 1800s. During the winter months, there’s a roaring log fire, while in summer there’s a superb beach garden to enjoy. Food ranges from small plates for nibbles to jacket potatoes and pub classics. In the summer, there’s also a host of grilled goodies on offer from The Barbecue Shack, the pub’s much-loved outdoor kitchen.
Where: Middle Wall, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BJ
Website: www.smackwhitstable.co.uk
Sir Charles Napier
Noted as Raymond Blanc’s favourite Sunday lunch spot, the Sir Charles Napier pub always impresses. Overlooking the Chilterns, the pub is all wooden beams, open fires and comfy chairs. In the summer, there’s a large garden full of sculptures and tables to relax in. You can pop in for a quick pint or indulge in their menu, which includes a Cornish lobster tail and a maltose glazed duck.
Where: Spriggs Alley, Chinnor, OX39 4BX
Website: www.sircharlesnapier.co.uk
The White Horse
This 16th-century pub is nestled in the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. After you’ve spent some time navigating nearby footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways, indulge in The White Horse’s great range of beers and fresh British seasonal food. Should the sun make an appearance there’s a beer garden for bathing in its generous rays.
Where: Hascombe, Surrey, GU8 4JA
Website: www.whitehorsepub.net
The Third Monkey
Recently opened under the creative direction of Executive Chef Adam Fisher, The Third Monkey is the ultimate fusion of city slick meets country gastro pub. The hyper-seasonal menu is committed to sustainability and offers interesting combinations such as the Devonshire duck & camembert burger and the baked maida vale, IPA & onion crumble. Dishes are just the right mix of innovative, simple and hearty and the atmosphere is buzzy & aesthetically. With an upstairs late night cocktail bar that regularly hosts a weekend DJ set, this is a pub finally putting Farnham on the chic foodie scene.
With an upstairs late night cocktail bar that regularly hosts a weekend DJ set, this is a pub finally putting Farnham on the chic foodie scene.
Robyn, Managing Director
Where: 46 South St, Farnham GU9 7RP
Website: www.thirdmonkeyfarnham.com
