You might have heard before that the best way to taste the real England is by having a pint or a meal at your local (pub). But what might come as a surprise to you, is that Pubs and Country Inns also offer the best kind of authentic accommodation, as well as great value for money.
From sitting and relaxing in front of a beautifully restored fireplace, to resting your head in a trendy en-suite bedroom, English pubs and inns are able to offer you with the finest of both the old and the modern world, all wrapped up neatly in a unique and friendly accommodation offer. HotelREZ’s experts scour the country to bring you a top notch selection of English pubs and Inns to stay in.
The White Swan – Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Housed in a fully restored Grade II listed building, the White Swan is wonderfully located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, just a 10 minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre. This historical hotel has gone through a £3 million restoration project, yet it still retains many of its original features, such as open fires, exposed beams and wonderful antiques. The guestrooms are elegantly decorated and all feature en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, flat screen TVs, hairdryers and tea and coffee making facilities.
What we love about it: You can choose from 41 different rooms, all with unique individual styles. Character Rooms are situated in the 15th century area of the building, and are a stunning, harmonious juxtaposition of old and new – think four poster beds and roll top baths! Grand and Classic Rooms are contemporary looking yet still provide all the comforts of home.
Food & Drink: The bar and restaurant are steeped with atmosphere, with comfortable chairs and leather sofas, making them the perfect venue for having a relaxing drink, informal lunch, traditional afternoon tea or a candlelit dinner. You can enjoy from a wide range of classic British dishes as well as choose from a comprehensive list of Fuller’s ales.
Booking a room: Double Rooms are available from £114 including full English breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
The Princess Royal – Farnham, Surrey
Surrounded by Surrey’s scenic countryside, The Princess Royal is situated just outside historic Farnham in the village of Runfold. There are 21 rooms available, offering a mix of spacious double and family rooms, all with king sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, Sky TV, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
What we love about it: A wonderful place on a cold winter night, The Princess Royal’s open fire and intimate candlelit booths create a delightful setting in which to enjoy a relaxing evening. In the summer you can enjoy your drink or meal in the outdoor beer garden instead.
Food & Drink: This traditional pub features cosy log fires and elegant décor, as well as a wide selection of real ales and fine wines. The restaurant serves a modern British menu, daily specials and light snacks. Chefs at the Princess Royal also make use of locally sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering home-cooked pub-food classics.
Booking a room: Double Rooms are available from £114 including full English breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
The Royal George Birdlip – Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Royal George Birdlip is located near Cheltenham and Gloucester, in the stunning Gloucestershire village of Birdlip in the famed English Cotswolds. Its location makes it particular popular with walkers and cyclists. Each of the 34 rooms is slightly different in style, but all feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and an en-suite bathroom. Some guest rooms open out onto the garden, making them just perfect if you’re travelling with pets.
What we love about it: Built around an original 17th century Cotswold stone building, and surrounded by 26 acres of beautiful grounds, the Royal George combines all the charms of a traditional country inn in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.
Food & Drink: Traditional meals and lighter snacks are served every day. The Royal George often hosts live music or your typical pub quiz in the evenings. Outdoor dining is possible in the garden and heated terrace.
Booking: Double rooms are available from only £41 including full English breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Free car parking is also available.
The Mad Hatter – Southwark, London
Boasting a great location on the South Bank and a mere 150 metres from the River Thames, the Mad Hatter is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building. Here you’ll find a charming bar serving tasty food and real ales, as well as 30 well-appointed bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, and offering Sky TV, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.
What we love about it: The building was once a hat factory and the beautiful original exterior now houses comfortable and modern rooms. The Tate Modern art gallery is 350 metres away, and Waterloo Railway and Tube Station is a mere 5-minute walk away, providing you with easy access to all of London’s main attractions.
Food & Drink: The Mad Hatter boasts a tempting menu serving up a great selection of traditional English dishes, from light snacks to hearty suppers. Pies are something of a speciality here, perfect when washed down with a choice of both cask and bottle conditioned ales. A wide whisky selection is also available.
Booking a room: Standard Double rooms are available from £90 including full English breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
The Bull Inn – Halstead, Essex
The Bull is a great English pub and inn located close to Braintree, Essex and a mere 25 minutes away from Stansted International Airport. Housed in an attractive former coaching inn built in 1398, the Bull Inn offers 16 unique en-suite bedrooms, large gardens and an intimate old-world bar and restaurant with a modern feel enhanced by a giant inglenook fireplace.
What we love about it: With old oak beams and open fires, the Bull Inn is a true reflection of its past Tudor heritage. Dog friendly bedrooms are available, so just ask for one when placing your booking.
Food & Drink: At the Bull you’ll find traditional English food and great hearty breakfasts being served each morning. A popular choice here is the beef and ale pie, which features a long-standing favourite from their range of traditional cask ales: wrapped in golden pastry, the well-renowned Old Speckled Hen ale forms a rich and flavourful sauce.
Booking a room: Double and twin rooms are available from just £41 including breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Complimentary parking is also available.
The Victoria Inn – Peckham, London
An English style country pub that just so happens to be in the city, the stylish Victoria Inn boasts 18 modern rooms that suit singles, couples, large groups and families. Situated on a sunny corner of trendy Peckham, in South East London, the Victoria is only a short distance from Peckham Rye and East Dulwich stations, putting you in Central London in no time. Pets are welcome.
What we love about it: Much more intimate than your regular hotel, the Victoria Inn offers you great value urban crash pads. Choose from a wide variety of room types, from en-suite doubles to semi en-suite large family rooms.
Food & Drink: The pub and restaurant offer a good mix of traditional and non traditional pub food; as well as a good selection of beers and ales, including those from the microbrewery of its sister pub, The Florence.
Booking a room: En-suite Double rooms are available from only £55 including free Wi-Fi.
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Check our extensive collection of English Pubs and Inns.
