Five pubs with rooms for a cosy staycation

Crisp countryside walks, drinks by the fire and hearty meals of seasonal fare: there are few better places to hunker down for a greedy autumn weekend away than a fabulous foodie pub.

We hand-picked five of our favourite dining pubs with rooms for a cosy staycation

Lord Poulett Arms, Somerset

Classic and contemporary collide at this 16^th century thatched pub in the idyllic village of Hinton St George. Taken over and extensively refurbished in 2018 by a few Soho House alumni, Lord Poulett Arms is a gorgeous destination for lunch, dinner or a countryside staycation.

While the renovations have been considerate of the inn’s history, the Farrow & Ball colour palette, roll-top tubs and bold artwork make its collection of guestrooms a chic spot to spend an evening.

The kitchen team have taken a similar approach to the cooking, blending classic pub dishes with au current trends – think roast and pickled cauliflower with split pea dahl.

The Methuen Arms, Wiltshire

Field-to-fork dining first blossomed in foodie pubs, and at The Methuen Arms in Corsham the sustainably savvy approach to eating is thriving.

Head chef Kevin Chandler aims for self-sufficiency as much as possible, growing produce in the coaching inn’s kitchen garden and sourcing what the team can’t grow themselves from hyper-local producers. Diners can browse what’s been grown onsite at the bottom of the daily menus.

For visitors tempted to make a trip to feast on dishes such as Dexeter beef with braised beef, pressed potato, horseradish and truffle, there are 19 newly renovated bedrooms for an overnight visit. The 16^th century inn is owned by local brewery Butcombe, so ale fans can rest assured there’ll be a fantastic selection to explore.

Star & Garter, Cornwall

Cornwall isn’t short of characterful inns for a coastal staycation, but if you’re after something contemporary Star & Garter in Falmouth is worth looking up.

Becca and Elliot Thompson took over the historic pub in 2015 and, as well as completely renovating the dining areas and kitchen, introduced three beautifully furnished apartments upstairs. With unrivalled views across the estuary and Falmouth Harbour, the suites are a brilliant base from which to explore the buzzy town and beyond.

There are lots of great places to eat nearby, but you’d be missing a trick if you turned down the opportunity to dine downstairs. The team of skilled chefs are students of the nose-to-tail philosophy, butchering everything themselves and cooking over open fire. Start your evening with a kooky cocktail in the cosy bar before bagging a booth under the panoramic windows to feast on dishes such as monkfish with manteca, parsley, sherry and clams. 

The Slaughters Country Inn, Cotswolds

While a spacious courtyard makes this riverside pub a popular destination in summer, it’s in the cooler months that its rustic charm is best experienced: roaring log fires, Chesterfield armchairs and a muddy-wellies-welcome policy create a comforting atmos which embraces guests like a warm hug.

The Slaughters Country Inn’s position in the heart of the Cotswolds means there’s a wealth of walks to be explored nearby and, when the weather isn’t so good, destinations such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are only a short drive away. However you decide to spend the day, you can look forward to a delicious seasonal supper back at the inn; house favourites include Welsh Dragon sausages with creamed potato and “proper gravy”.

The Nobody Inn, Devon

For a rustic country pub experience, they don’t come much more authentic than The Nobody Inn at Doddiscombsleigh. Hidden away in a quiet corner of Holden Forest, the ancient inn is a favourite with foodies who seek to escape the hustle and bustle of Exeter without having to travel more than 20 minutes.

Five oak-beamed bedrooms make it a fantastic spot for a long weekend of fresh air, peaceful quiet and good eating. Coincide your trip with one of the regular wine or whisky matched suppers – The NoBody Inn has an enviable cellar of vintage wines and impressive whisky collection (340 bottles at last count).

Find more cosy pubs with rooms on our sister site Trencherman’s Guide.