16 British Pubs with Rooms Shortlisted by an Interior Designer...
A design-led edit worth swooning over
January blues simply do not exist when sitting by the fire in a cosy pub with a pie and a glass of wine after a country walk.
I’ve mentioned this previously (here) but I take a lot into account when it comes to booking a trip (or dinner, or theatre tickets…). It doesn’t matter where I’m going or for how long, I spend an unreasonable amount of time pondering thread counts, breakfast menus and bathroom products.
My favourites are those that feel local, intimate and distinctively stylish, rooted in culture and design. Owners that are exceptionally passionate about their environments, promoting local produce and businesses make a huge difference to the overall experience. Bedrooms should be snug and bonus points for roll top bathtubs.
Much of the magic of a good pub comes from the balance of visitors and locals. There is always a murmuration of people - gathering, conversing, dining, reading… Local knowledge alongside the energy of someone new to the area.
There is also something about this time of year specifically that calls for a little time out. Yes, the festive period is a break for many of us, but it can still be a pretty exhausting time, right? Fresh air and country walks, regardless of the weather, feel necessary to blow away the cobwebs and start afresh. Oh, also a fire. Or a log burner. Because, well, January.
I’ve included 16 of my favourites below. All of which I’ve either stayed in myself or have been selected specifically following months (or even years) of excessive online stalking. I do not exaggerate when I say I have 70+ boards on Pinterest of travel destinations - I can tell you the best place for a coffee in Singapore (Alchemist) or where to buy crockery in Tulum (World by Hand). So whilst I’ve only included 16 on this edit, I’ve decided to share my board of, you guessed it, “Pubs with Rooms” which features many others I’ve saved over the years for further browsing.
1. The Bull Inn, Totnes
102 High St, Rotherfold, Totnes TQ9 5SN
Ego-conscious pub, The Bull Inn, is one of my favourite places to stay in the South of England. Totnes itself is quaint and bustling with independent shops and restaurants and only 6 miles from the sea, although I do recommend travelling slightly further to Bantham Beach for the day. The food is incredible, with an ever changing, seasonal menu. Bedrooms are cosy with lime-plastered walls, antique furniture and artwork as well as locally sourced, organic bed linen (it’s beyond comfy). Since opening in 2019, The Bull Inn, has won numerous sustainability awards for both the hotel and restaurant for their ethical approach to design, operation and produce.
2. The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns
Main Street, Coln St Aldwyns, Cirencester GL7 5AN
The New Inn was introduced to me when my boyfriend gifted me a stay back in 2020. You can guess the outcome of that one unfortunately. Set up by local food duo, Baz & Fred, a few years ago, they have refurbished the pub to create a rustic and charming space balanced with contemporary artwork and craft beers. I have had the pleasure of a Baz & Fred pizza in London, so it doesn’t surprise me that the menu receives rave reviews too.
3. The Bull, Charlbury
Sheep Street, Charlbury, OX7 3RR
Anyone who has googled either “Pubs with rooms” or “the Cotswolds” over the last few years will be familiar with The Bull, owned by the same duo behind some of London’s favourite pubs, The Hero and The Pelican. Respecting the heritage of the area, the refurbishment has a sensitive aesthetic with a muted palette and vintage furniture. Every detail has been considered, not least the interior and the farm-to-table menu, but also the arrival experience. On request a camouflage green Defender can collect guests from local stations offering a train to door service. It’s a genuine skill to balance luxury and quality without being ostentatious in any way.
4. The Village Pub, Barnsley
Barnsley, Cirencester GL7 5EF
The Village Pub is everything you’d expect from the team behind The Pig. The restaurant proves just as popular as the 6 rooms available, with an unassuming, comforting menu. Candle lit corners, low oak beams and a warming fireplace blend tradition with contemporary comfort. Whilst each room is individually designed, a common aesthetic ensures continuity throughout.
5. The Queens Head, Broad Chalke
1 North St, Broad Chalke, Salisbury SP5 5EN
Proudly rural, The Queens Head offers a charming interior seeped in history and character. Winter months benefit from roaring fireplaces and wood burners, whilst the courtyard and gardens offer outdoor dining in warmer weather. Local farming and close proximity to the sea is evident through produce selection and menus. The distinct brand identity takes classic and traditional and injects colour and personality, translating through digital branding and graphic design as well as the interior itself.
6. The Bradley Hare, Warminster
Church St, Maiden Bradley, Warminster BA12 7HW
This has been on my list for such a long time, I can’t actually believe I haven’t yet visited. Whilst it’s easy picturing a January weekend break by the fire, The Bradley Hare also takes advantage of the gardens in summer months where barbeques are a regular occurance. The interior is elegant and classic with contemporary colours and comforts. Furniture is inviting and encourages guests to really nestle in and relax.
7. The Princess Royal, Notting Hill
47 Hereford Rd, London W2 5AH
It’s unlikely I’ll be choosing to stay in Notting Hill anytime soon (however tempting it is having argued with many taxi drivers to go “South of the River” after midnight), but I did want to include a London spot. With over 3,500 pubs at last count, and a market which is only increasing, owners and management have to continuously ensure they are leading their competition, something which The Princess Royal achieves seamlessly. The space itself celebrates it’s heritage and traditional aesthetic with a cosmopolitan feel, contemporary furniture and bold patterns. It’s also worth noting, Cubitt House also have 7 other pubs under their umbrella, all of which are worth adding to your lists too!
8. The Bear Inn, Hodnet
Drayton Rd, Hodnet, Market Drayton TF9 3NH
Whilst I do love a minimal, neutral aesthetic, I also love a space with thrives with personality. The Bear Inn worked with Interior Designer Octavia Dickinson during the refurbishment ensuring pattern, colour and texture were celebrated. Each room has its own identity to ensure guests can chose a room that reflects what they want. I have personally seen so many elements of these rooms referenced in various designs and briefs, it’s no surprise people travel here for the interior alone.
9. The Hand and Flowers, Marlow
126 West St, Marlow SL7 2BP
If there’s one person you can trust with a British pub, it surely has to be Tom Kerridge. With two Michelin stars (the only UK pub to achieve this rating), I don’t need to sell the food offering. However, the rooms available boast the same level of presentation and finesse. Despite the accolade, The Hand and Flowers remains warm and personable. Marlow itself is also a favourite of mine, positioned on the Thames with a High Street packed with retail, restaurants and bars.
10. The Beckford Arms, Salisbury
Fonthill Gifford, Salisbury SP3 6PX
There is a familiarity about the approach to The Beckford Arms. It’s cosy and homely with each space curated to maximise comfort. The nooks and lounge spaces are given the same consideration as the restaurant and bedrooms. Owners, The Beckford Group, have acquired a small portfolio of similar properties but maintain the value of service and hospitality which are evident throughout.
11. The George, Rye
98 High St, Rye TN31 7JT
Escaping London for the sea often feels like a necessity. Rye is one of my favourite places to go when I need out of the city with its quant cobbled streets, the best spots for antique shopping and nearby Camber Sands is perfect for wintery beach walks. The pub and its interior are colourful and quirky; contemporary but well balanced with the character of the building. I read that owners, Alex and Katie, previously worked in set design which is evident in the attention to detail in styling and dressing, where every ounce of experience is considered.
12. The Bell, Charlbury
1 Church St, Charlbury, Chipping Norton OX7 3PP
Daylesford owned The Bell boasts all the features you would expect from the organic brand. Product specifications prioritise sustainability and locality with an emphasis on craftsmanship and artisan sourced from nearby artists, suppliers, joiners and designers. In addition to the pub, the nearby Daylesford Farm has its own Michelin starred café, restaurant, cookery school and Spa. Charlbury itself benefits from the same values with independent businesses and a weekly farmer’s market.
13. The Taybank, Perthshire
Tay Terrace, Dunkeld PH8 0AQ
If there’s one thing that makes a pub with rooms more attractive, it’s a pub with rooms and a sauna. Positioned on Scotland’s River Tay, the interior design take reference from the local context and surroundings with an earthy, natural palette. Scandi influences are notable in the sauna itself as well as the décor and laid back atmosphere. Bookshelves feature in place of TV screens and live music nights are hosted weekly. Events and pop ups are regular in the form of pizza, ice cream and outdoor cinema in summer months.
14. The Double Red Duke, Cotswolds
Bourton Rd, Clanfield, Bampton OX18 2RB
The Double Red Duke has taken advantage of its outdoor space creating terraces and adding an extension hosting a garden room. Food is key to the concept with menus created by Hawksmoor founder, Richard Turner. A full range of catering experience has been considered from countertop seating where guests are fully immersed in the kitchen experience to private dining rooms. Natural materials, playful patterns and biophilia soften the space without compromise to the character of the building itself.
15. The Bull, Burlford
105 High St, Burford OX18 4RG
Embracing a more contemporary approach to design, The Bull ensures it cannot be confused with it’s Charlbury namesake. Boutique in aesthetic, The Bull deliberately offers a slightly different offering to many others in the area. Urban is balanced with traditional. Trends are featured subtly in marble detailing, limewashed walls and boucle textures, but not at all gimmicky. The food offer too takes a steer away from local competition with former Nobu chef, Hiromi Wada’s, tailored tasting menu.
16. The Wild Rabbit, Chipping Norton
Church St, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6YA
Finally, I couldn’t not include The Wild Rabbit. Yes, it’s also in the Cotswolds. And yes it probably comes up in every “pubs with rooms” shortlist going. But it absolutes exudes everything I’ve summarised throughout. Design is pared back and unassuming without compromising quality and produce. Bicycles are availability as well as advice on walking routes to ensure guests can enjoy one of the Cotswolds’ most popular spots.
As always, if you took anything away from this edit, I’d hugely appreciate any shares, comments and subscriptions. Whilst I’m absolutely using this platform as a personal creative outlet, it’s always reassuring to hear if it resonates with people.
Sx
*All photography credit belongs to each of the hotels listed.
Thrilled to read this - and to find you - and especially thrilled to see one in Market Drayton! I grew up near there and believe me there was very little to tempt people from the South in those days…I live a long way from there now but might be tempted by a little trip back 😊
This is brilliant. Thank you