The Red Lion at Northmoor, Oxfordshire
The Red Lion is a community-owned pub that really lives its purpose. There are yoga sessions and breakfasts, pop-up food events, books swaps and all sorts of things that bring people not just from the village but the surrounding area. Guests are welcome to join in with them all, just ask the staff what’s going on. The shepherd’s huts in the gardens make beautiful little rooms and breakfast, delivered to your door, is as much a treat as lunch or the evening menu. Any meal here makes it instantly clear why The Red Lion was voted Best Pub in the 2021 Countryside Alliance Food & Drink Awards.
The Three Hills, Cambridgeshire
When Emma Harrison bought The Three Hills in 2015, she began the long process of “unrenevating” the place – stripping out some ugly modern features and returning it to something like the glory of its 17th-century origins. As the only pub for miles around the tiny village, it’s become the centre of the community, with an outdoor theatre, a dog show, art and cookery workshops for kids, and all sort of seasonal events like Christmas wreath making. The menus are marvellous and the presentation superb, but muddy-booted walkers mix seamlessly with well-dressed lunchers in the friendly surrounds.
The Roebuck Inn, Cheshire
When lockdown struck, The Roebuck struck back. They organised deli, wine and food deliveries across the community, allowing not only local people but local businesses to keep on going. Now that things are back open again, local walks, runs and cycle rides have taken over, with guests welcome to join in, if they think they’ve got the stamina! If not, then simply ensconce yourself among the gleaming wood panelling of the bar, the garden or your gorgeous room and indulge yourself with The Roebuck’s craft, comfort and cuisine.
The Pheasant at Neenton, Shropshire
Nine years of closure left this old inn a very sad sight indeed, until a Herculean effort from the local community found the energy and funding to restore and reopen. It now works as a community hub, a place for everyone to come and celebrate, discuss, comiserate and even learn, with emphasis placed on the training of young people in the area. The result is a lovely pub, with an orchard in the beer garden that supplies fruit to the kitchen and a host of local ales at the bar. So just by having another pint, you can be supporting a good cause.
The Cartford Inn, Lancashire
The Cartford seems to be on a mission to furnish you with comfort and pleasure, not just during your stay, but even when you get home. The fabulous on-site deli, TOTI (Taste of the Inn) sells all manner of treats and quality local produce that you can take as a short-lived souvenir, while TOTI Home means you can even take back a hint of The Cartford’s boldly styled interiors. The rooms are incredibly diverse but all beautiful, with chunky-beamed cabins in the garden and river view suites making choosing where to sleep as tough a choice as choosing what to eat from a menu that spectacularly showcases Lancashire’s abundance.
More inspiration…
Our top pubs for Sunday Lunch
See the winners of our 2020 pub awards in partnership with the Telegraph, with categories including Pub of the Year, Best for Food, Best Dog-Friendly Pub and more.
Six of our favourite fireside pubs
Read our roundup of six of our favourite fireside pubs, great for snuggling up on cosy winter evenings with a pint of dark stout.
Best pubs after a long walk
Browse our collection of pubs located near beautiful walking routes, perfect for resting weary legs and relaxing with pints and hearty meals.