One of the best ways to banish winter blues and blow away cobwebs is a weekend walk to a cosy country pub with a roaring open fire. Here are some of our favourites in Michael Graham’s region.
Written by Carly Freestone | 14th November 2024
Lifestyle Country
Must-Visit Historic Pubs and Charming Country Inns
West London
The Windsor Castle, Notting Hill
The Windsor Castle dates back to the 1820s and has character in abundance. Inside is a series of small oak panelled rooms with low ceilings and wooden beams, filled with original furniture ever-so-slightly upholstered to improve comfort. There is a large bar area, and a gentle refurb has left many snugs area to sit and catch up with friends.
The Pelican, Notting Hill
The Pelican has been around for over 150 years and is described as part pub, part restaurant and part gastropub. A recent rustic-style makeover means this is a cosy place to retreat to in the city - not least because of a roaring fire that makes an immediate statement upon entry.
The White Horse, Parson's Green
A favourite of many Londoners, this pub has close to 10 beers on tap and over 80 options by the bottle, and great food too. The roaring fire flanked by Chesterfields makes this a perfect winter bolt hole.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
The Bell, Aston Clinton, Bucks
The Bell is a smart pub and restaurant in the centre of the pretty village of Aston Clinton. There are log fires aplenty, and 11 hotel rooms if you want to make a weekend of it and explore the Chiltern Hills on the doorstep.
The Swan Inn, Denham
Hidden away in the picture postcard village of Denham in South Bucks, this pub is a favourite with locals. There are multiple fireplaces, dogs are welcome, and their sun trap garden is worth having on your radar for when the weather warms up.
The Crown at Granborough
The Crown at Granborough is an ancient village pub and restaurant located between Aylesbury and Buckingham in the Aylesbury Vale. It has been completely refurbished to create a pub and restaurant that is both traditional and contemporary, with two restaurant areas.
The Plough, Cadsden
The Plough is the only pub that stands on The Ridgeway, an ancient trackway described as Britain’s oldest road and is a very welcome watering hole for ramblers. Situated just outside of Princes Risborough near Chequers, the country seat of the Prime Minister, Cadsden is a small hamlet, and the pub attracts visitors from all over the world.
BEDFORDSHIRE
The White Hart, Biggleswade
Situated right in the heart of Biggleswade, the White Hart is one of the oldest pubs in the county and boasts a large open fireplace, the perfect spot for enjoying a Sunday roast.
The George Inn, Maulden
This restored 16th century pub in the heart of the Bedfordshire countryside offers an impressive 45 varieties of gin. Christmas arrives here on Thursday 23rd November when the decorations will be up and turkey served when you pre order from the festive set menu.
HERTFORDSHIRE
The Bull, Watton at Stone
A huge inglenook fireplace takes centre stage at this 15th-century pub in the village of Watton at Stone. The chimney is so cavernous, legend has it that Catholic priests hid inside during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The pretty village of Watton at Stone is located within easy reach of the A1 and the towns of Hertford, Ware, Stevenage & Welwyn Garden City.
The Bricklayers Arms, Flaunden
Tucked away in the small village of Flaunden, it can be quite an adventure locating this pub for the first time, but you’ll be pleased you made the effort when you make it. The Bricklayers Arms has won multiple accolades including Hertfordshire Dining Pub of the year.
This 300-year-old pub has stacks of rustic charm and a tempting Anglo/French menu. Relax by its roaring open fire while enjoying one of its famous Sunday roasts or French bistro dishes. There’s also a range of artisan gins, including Hitchin Honey Gin.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE:
Althorp Coaching Inn, Great Brington
This traditional pub in the picturesque village of Great Brington, close to Princess Dianas’s childhood home Althorp House, has been recently refurbished and designed to feel like a home away from home. There are two open fires and candle- lit tables, as well as flagstone floors and wooden beams. Dog friendly and relaxed with great food and drink, its’s the perfect place to hunker down for a cosy winter afternoon or evening.
Awarded best destination pub in Northamptonshire by Muddy Stilettoes, The Red Lion is a family run pub situated on the Green in the beautiful village of Evenley, near Brackley. Their winter menu is best eaten next to the open fire, with the chef’s famous schnitzels available all year round. If you stay late on Sundays, you’ll be treated to an evening of live music.
The Swan, Lamport
The Swan at Lamport prides itself on exceptional hospitality. Set in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside, it’s a traditional country pub providing delicious food in a beautiful location. There’s a cosy bar area with a roaring fire, a snug for private dining, and a more traditional dining room, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
The Greyhound, Milton Malsor
The Greyhound is a traditional English country pub dating from the 16th century and sits in the Milton Malsor conservation area in the heart of the village, along with over 30 other listed buildings, most dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. A popular choice for a relaxing lunch or evening meal, there is an extensive menu and an excellent specials board in the restaurant or bar seven days a week.
At Michael Graham we specialise in homes for sale in town and country locations just like the ones mentioned above. If you’re planning a move, we’d love to hear from you. Call your local Michael Graham office to speak to one of our local experts, or book a free market appraisal now.
