{"id":168,"date":"2018-08-23T13:33:18","date_gmt":"2018-08-23T12:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=168"},"modified":"2021-03-03T17:16:22","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T17:16:22","slug":"great-british-pubs-to-get-cosy-in-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/great-british-pubs-to-get-cosy-in-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Great British pubs to get cosy in this winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re about to meander through the Big Smoke or brave the elements on a rural escapade, don\u2019t leave home without a check-list of snuggly watering holes to warm up in. From a design lover\u2019s dream in the heart of the Cotswolds to a Welsh hotel bar brimming with many a mountaineering tale, pull up a chair and try a local tipple at one of our favourite cosy pubs in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Wild Rabbit. Image: http:\/\/www.thewildrabbit.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham, Cotswolds<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

This guesthouse, pub and dining destination overflows with as much Cotswolds charm as enviable design: from its traditional stone walls covered in ivy through to its whitewashed guest rooms with modern minimalist touches, a stay or quick pit-stop here makes for a delicious breath of fresh air. Its oh-so-pretty 18th-century pub offers a rustic setting that comprises stripped-back walls, open fireplaces and back-to-nature simplicity in the form of hand-crafted furniture, artisan beer, and wines from neighbouring vineyards. If you work up an appetite exploring the surrounding rolling hills, the restaurant at The Wild Rabbit has recently been awarded its first Michelin Star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Church St, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6YA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New Hall Inn. Image: http:\/\/www.robinsonsbrewery.com\/newhallinn<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
New Hall Inn, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps better known as The Hole in t\u2019 Wall, Bowness\u2019s oldest pub has more to shout about than its 400-year-old history \u2013 starting with a quirky and endless display of ceramic jugs, hanging overhead across a dark wood ceiling. You\u2019ll find no shortage of real ales here, including award-winning Robinsons flavours, plus spirits and wines. Dim, atmospheric and not unlike the cosiest of Alpine hideouts, it also serves home-cooked British fare for those looking to stave off any hunger pangs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Robinson Pl, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3DH<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cPen-y-Gwryd Hotel in Snowdonia.\u201d by Hefin Owen can be reused under the CC BY-SA 2.0 License<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, Snowdonia, North Wales<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Blending traditional ivy-clad charm with a seriously scenic mountainous backdrop, Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel sells itself as a gem for mountain lovers \u2013 to little surprise, what with its location at the foot of Snowdon mountain. Head to the Resident\u2019s Bar, where drinks, mountaineering memorabilia from the 1953 Everest expedition, and a soul-soothing fire perfectly complement the friendly and inviting atmosphere. You\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find a cosier spot to knock back a drink or two in this region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Snowdonia National Park, Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon LL55 4NT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Churston Court. Image: http:\/\/www.churstoncourthotel.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Churston Court, Brixham, Devon<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Give your next pub outing an opulently Tudor twist with a trip to this dramatic, red-hued property in Brixham. A former manor house set in a Grade II-listed building, old paintings and tapestries adorn its walls, while suits of armour, rich carpeting and chandeliers add further characterful touches. As well as its perfect village setting, it offers an authentic escape into a bygone era \u2013 complete, of course, with a rather well-stocked bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Church Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham TQ5 0JE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Flask. Image: http:\/\/www.theflaskhighgate.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Flask, Highgate Village, London<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Far removed from London\u2019s bustling centre but still close enough for a pub lunch is The Flask, whose suburban location in upscale Highgate puts relaxation at the top of the menu. After a day of plodding through Hampstead Heath\u2019s grassy expanse, settle down with a real ale or international wine at this neighbouring hideout. Here, you\u2019ll find that candles, a brick fireplace, utterly traditional d\u00e9cor, and a structure dating as far back as the 17th century all contribute to its pleasantly homey and historic atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: 77 Highgate W Hill, London N6 6BU<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Sheep Heid Inn. Image: http:\/\/www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh, Scotland<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

With a long history dating back to the mid 1300s, Scotland\u2019s oldest surviving pub offers a most historic experience, complete with an eclectic country-style twist and roaring fireplace. As well as an extensive drinks list ranging from wine and real ale through to classic cocktails and G&Ts. You\u2019ll also find lunch, dinner and Sunday menus from which Wagyu burgers and slow-cooked pork belly with seared scallops make particularly tempting options. Located on the edge of Holyrood Park, at the heart of which you\u2019ll find Arthur\u2019s Seat, it opens daily from 11am (or 12pm on Sunday) until 11pm (or midnight on Friday and Saturday).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Tempest Arms. Image: http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pg\/tempestarms<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Tempest Arms, Elslack, Skipton<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Since being voted best pub of the year in 2011 by the Good Pub Guide, North Yorkshire\u2019s Tempest Arms has continued to maintain a level of country pub excellence, as well as offering a comfortable night\u2019s sleep within its 300-year-old walls. It\u2019s perfect for those seeking a slice of laid-back heaven after a day exploring surrounding sights, including Skipton Castle and the dramatic landscapes that make up the Pennine Way. The pub opens between 11am-11pm Monday to Sunday, and Sunday between 12-10.30pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: The Tempest Arms, Elslack, Skipton BD23 3AY<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Victoria. Image: http:\/\/www.victoriapaddington.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Victoria, Paddington, London<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Where cosiness is concerned, London pubs don\u2019t get far better than the ultra-plush Victoria: as well as shelves stocked with craft lagers, seasonal ales, cider, spirits and exclusive wines, it features three separate bar spaces that each command attention with their distinctive, old-world d\u00e9cor. Head to the wood-panelled and brilliantly-lit Main Bar, take in the Theatre Bar\u2019s characterful draped curtains and intricate embellishments, or enjoy added seclusion in the Library. With a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and TimeOut Love London Awards win to its name, it isn\u2019t one to disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: 10A Strathearn Pl, Paddington, London W2 2NH<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Cat Inn. Image: http:\/\/www.catinn.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Cat Inn, West Hoathly, West Sussex<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Cosiness is the order of the day at the 16th-century, wood-beamed Cat Inn, where settling down by an open fire with a Sauvignon Blanc, real ale or malt whisky is never frowned upon. Get your fill of warm, locally-sourced fare first, whether braised pork belly with pancetta and mustard velout\u00e9, or a vegan-friendly sesame and quinoa-coated tofu with glazed figs. Open 12-11pm Monday to Saturday (12-5pm on Sunday), this pub is a no-brainer if you\u2019re in need of some respite from windswept walks across hilly surrounds \u2013 it\u2019s listed in the 2017 Good Pub Guide, Great Britain and Ireland Michelin Guide and Good Food Guide, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: North Ln, West Hoathly RH19 4PP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Loch Harport and Carbost, Isle of Skye. Image: iStock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Old Inn, Carbost, Isle of Skye<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Set in a small stone property in Carbost, on the scenic western coast of Scotland\u2019s Isle of Skye, this rather unassuming waterfront free house pub is a true haven for locals as much as for passersby. Recommended by the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), it naturally offers a fantastic pint of beer as well as award-winning fare \u2013 all served up in a modest space that puts friendliness and welcoming warmth at its core. Live music fills the inn with merriment on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: B8009, Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Angel at Burford. Image: http:\/\/www.theangelatburford.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Angel at Burford, Burford, Cotswolds<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Set near the River Windrush in the medieval town of Burford, this 16th-century inn boasts a refurbished pub and Cask Marque accreditation, retained every year since 2011. Wine and real ales are a popular choice here. You can also grab a plate of classic gastropub fare \u2013 including beer-battered fish and chips or toad in the hole \u2013 if ever you\u2019re feeling peckish. A whole host of wins and recommendations \u2013 including the 2013 Food Pub of the Year title and several Hook Norton Brewery Awards since 2012 \u2013 make this deserving Cotswolds retreat all the more attractive to the discerning pub-goer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: 14 Witney St, Burford OX18 4SN<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Shipwrights Arms. Image: http:\/\/www.shipwrightshelford.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Shipwrights Arms, Helford, Cornwall<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re headed to Helford, don\u2019t miss a stop at this modern spot on the shoreline of the Helford River. A leafy setting, quaint maritime-themed d\u00e9cor and far-reaching views of Helford Passage are not all this pub has to brag about: the food menu prizes local produce, including crab, lobster, monkfish and mackerel (as well as freshly made curry every Friday night from 6pm), and an outdoor beer garden with direct access to the waterfront steals the show in the summer months. Of course, the drinks alone are reason enough to visit no matter the time of year, whether you\u2019re in the mood for local cask-conditioned ales, cider or a healthy list of spirits \u2013 including more than 20 rums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: Helford, Manaccan, Helston TR12 6JX<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Mayflower. Image: http:\/\/www.mayflowerpub.co.uk<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
The Mayflower, Rotherhithe, London<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Tucked along a cobbled street in southeast London\u2019s Rotherhithe, this traditionally English, TimeOut award-winning pub shows off particularly distinctive d\u00e9cor on the banks of the River Thames. As well as sporting a heavily nautical theme, enhanced by bold red walls and a lively atmosphere, it offers a chance to see the original 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father\u2019s Mayflower ship. With so much history behind it, sea-lovers may just forget their reason for visiting: a chance to try the recommended craft beer, local gin or fine wine. During warmer months, nab yourself a seat on its outdoor deck for some scenic river views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location: 117 Rotherhithe St, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4NF<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t