The 8 Best British Pubs with Rooms

Because nobody should be driving home after a pint or four…

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

There’s something timeless about a British pub stay: after an evening of hearty food and local brews, there’s nothing quite like being able to jump straight into a cosy bed. Are we right?

Ideal for a long weekend country getaway, Britain’s best pubs with rooms all combine simple comforts with real character, offering a break that’s every bit as satisfying as any five-star hotel. Some even take things up a notch with the likes of Michelin-starred menus, minimalist design and dog-friendly amenities that mean you can take your best four-legged friends along for the ride too.

Whether you're after a simple escape in the countryside, a foodie retreat or a place with a bit more flair, here are some of our favourite pubs with rooms that deliver on every front.

1The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire

The Riverside is home to nine luxurious rooms and offering excellent, award winning home-cooked grub, this picturesque 16th-century black and white former coaching inn, set in the heart of Herefordshire, is one of our favourite pubs with rooms in the country.

In addition to its four traditional rooms within the main abode, guests can also stay in two external suites boasting original 400-year-old beams and stone walls, as well as three charming Garden Lodges nestled at the top of the terrace garden. All rooms can accommodate dogs.

The best bit? Anyone staying the night automatically has a table reserved for them throughout their stay and all food is crafted using local ingredients where possible – think Herefordshire snails, pork shoulder with courgettes from the garden and a duo of Herefordshire beef.

aerial view. of gardens at The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey

2The Swan at Lavenham, Suffolk

Offering a picture-perfect stay in the heart of the medieval town of Lavenham, The Swan’s half-timbered façade sets the tone for a truly traditional pub experience. Fun fact: Its storied Airmen’s Bar was once the preferred drinking den of servicemen stationed at Lavenham Airfield during the Second World War.

Food here is quintessentially British with a modern twist, featuring dishes made from locally sourced ingredients – highlights include Gressingham duck breast and a perfectly-cooked fillet steak – while a special beer commissioned to mark 75 years since the 'friendly invasion' of Lavenham by US airmen during World War II is available exclusively in the Airmen’s Bar.

Upstairs, the dog-friendly rooms (there are 46 in total) feel like a tranquil retreat with exposed beams and soft lighting, while there’s also top-notch facilities including a six-room spa with a suntrap outdoor vitality pool.

Exterior view of The Swan at Lavenham, Suffolk

3The Roebuck Inn, Mobberley

Widely considered the best gastropub in Cheshire, Mobberley’s The Roebuck Inn is the oldest in the village. Defined by its cobble stones, flower-filled window boxes, wood-burners and cosy nooks, it is also home to six shabby chic rooms – all extremely stylish but none the same. We love the fact they are all named after a different wine, and you’ll even be treated to a bottle on arrival.

After a hearty breakfast, head out for a day of exploring the countryside, with four National Trust properties nearby to discover and, upon your return, unwind with a refreshing drink in the terraced garden or indulge in a relaxing soak in your freestanding copper bathtub. The choice is yours.

Restaurant at The Roebuck Inn, Mobberley

4The Village Pub, Cirencester

Nestled in the heart of one of the Cotswolds’ most picturesque villages, this charming country pub serves up delicious food, eclectic interiors, a sunny terrace and a cosy (if compact) bar.

Formerly known as The Boot, it is home to six bedrooms that come tucked into the eaves above the pub and, while no two rooms are the same, each strike a balance between stylish and quirky, complete with elegant panelling, standout wallpaper, plush throws, Egyptian cotton bedlinen and monsoon shower. The food menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with some produce coming from the nearby Barnsley House hotel, but if you fancy a change of scenery, its famous sibling The Pig is just across the road, serving up some of the most delicious dishes in the Cotswolds.

team member laying a table at The Village Pub

5.The Bell, Charlbury

There are 12 uniquely decorated rooms at this popular Cotswolds pub, all of which hold craftsmanship at the heart of their design. We’re talking four-poster beds made with wood from Daylesford Organic Farm, hand-blocked wallpaper created in Oxfordshire and fabrics from Nila, a charitable initiative led by Carole Bamford that supports traditional Indian handloom and natural dyeing techniques, all of which add a distinctive touch.

As to be expected, as part of the Daylesford Group, the food at The Bell is equally as impressive, with the majority of produce on the menu coming from Daylesford Organic Farm or its sister Wootton Estate in Staffordshire. Wash it all down with modern craft beers from independent British breweries alongside traditional cask ales.

6The Devonshire Arms, Derbyshire

This stylish retreat, an 18th-century coaching inn turned upmarket bolthole owned by the Chatsworth Estate, offers the perfect base for exploring the Peak District, just a short walk from the stately house.

The Devonshire Arms 18 rooms, including family suites, feature charming details like four-poster beds and floral prints, all furnished with some interesting artworks and the odd quirky touch (an enormous bedhead, say, or flamingo-shaped lamps). Elsewhere the brasserie serves up hearty pub fare perfect after a day of hiking or exploring Castleton’s caves.

Bar area at The Devonshire Arms, Derbyshire

7The Three Horseshoes, Somerset

It’s all about location location location when it comes to The Three Horseshoes pub which, hidden in the delightfully rural Somerset village of Batcombe, is also just a stone’s throw away from Bruton, otherwise known as the Notting Hill of the West Country.

Home to five bedrooms each very generously sized and decorated with easy elegance by Frances Penn, daughter of David Mlinaric, this chic hideaway marries both style and substance, while its culinary offering will keep you returning time and time again. We guarantee you’ll have dreams about the chicken and tarragon pie, while more adventurous diners can dig into the likes of grilled ox heart, brawn and pig’s head croquettes.

8The Bear, Shropshire

Owned by the Hodnet Estate but run by Mel and Martin Board, who also own the Haughmond near Shrewsbury which has three AA rosettes and a spot in the Michelin Guide, The Bear in Shropshire is a foodie’s paradise. You can’t go wrong with any dish on the menu, with all ingredients sourced locally (some of the butcher’s cuts are from their own cattle and much of the fruit, vegetables and herbs is from their walled garden.)

As for the 12 individually designed rooms, interior designer Octavia Dickinson has left her suitably stylish mark with the likes of heavy curtains, original artwork and beds dressed in crisp linen and woollen blankets. If you’re truly looking to relax, be sure to request a room with a bath.