20 of the best pubs for great food and open fires
As the nights start drawing in and temperatures begin to plummet, country pubs offer an escape from any lingering autumn blues. Whether as a welcome pit stop on a weekend walk, or a destination in themselves for a Sunday roast, the following are some of the best in our region.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
The Mitre, Buckingham
The Mitre has earned multiple Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year awards and was again voted the CAMRA pub of the year 2025 for Buckinghamshire. The Miture is the oldest pub in Buckingham, one of its earliest mentions appearing on John Speed’s 1610 map of the town. The pub is what all great country pubs are, a much-loved local community hub with a down to earth, friendly atmosphere. Beams, an open fire, and five real ales served directly from the cellar all contribute to a classic pub experience.
The Bell, Aston Clinton, Bucks
The Bell is a smart pub and restaurant in the centre of the 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, and there are two restaurant areas.
The Plough, Cadsden
The Plough is the only pub on The Ridgeway, an ancient trackway described as Britain’s oldest road. Consequently it’s a welcome watering hole for ramblers. Situated just outside of Princes Risborough near Chequers, Cadsden is a small hamlet, and the pub attracts visitors from all over the globe.
BEDFORDSHIRE
The Bell, Studham
Winner of Bedfordshire countryside pub of the year award 2025, The Bell is a grade II listed building over 500 years old and situated in idyllic countryside in Bedfordshire. Proud to be ‘a proper pub’ hearty traditional pub fare includes Phil’s hugely popular home-made pies.
The Plough Inn, Wingfield
In the hamlet of Wingfield, with its thatched roof, oak beams and open fire, The Plough Inn is the definition of a perfect country pub. The building itself is around 350 years old and was once a coaching inn. Rumours of ghostly goings-on only add to its popularity.
The White Hart, Biggleswade
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 is proud to offer no less than 45 varieties of gin. All the food is freshly prepared onsite and locally sourced where possible, and a covered, heated courtyard is the perfect place for lunch, dinner, or drinks, whatever the weather.
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. The Bricklayers Arms has won multiple accolades including Hertfordshire Dining Pub of the year.
The Highlander, Hitchin
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
The White Swan, Holcot
For over 200 years this 18th century thatched pub has offered a warm and friendly welcome in Holcot, a pretty village just a couple of miles from Pitsford reservoir. This family run local is rightly proud of their expertly kept beer cellar which offers a selection of popular cask ales, all to be enjoyed next to a roaring fire.
Althorp Coaching Inn, Great Brington
This traditional pub in the village of Great Brington, close to Princess Dianas’s childhood home Althorp House, is 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, its’s the perfect place to hunker down for a cosy winter’s afternoon or evening.
The Red Lion, Evenley
Awarded best destination pub in Northamptonshire by Muddy Stilettoes, The Red Lion is a family run pub situated on the Green in the bucolic 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 with a cosy bar area and a roaring fire, a snug for private dining, and a traditional dining room. The perfect choice for any occasion.
The Greyhound, Milton Malsor
The Greyhound dates from the 16th century and sits in the conservation area in the heart of the village, along with over 30 other listed buildings. 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.
WEST LONDON – pubs with a country feel
The Windsor Castle, Notting Hill
The Windsor Castle dates back to the 1820s and is one of the most iconic pubs in London. A series of small oak panelled rooms with low ceilings and wooden beams are filled with rustic furniture and there is a large bar with snug areas 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 rustic-style makeover makes this 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.
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