With clocks going forward bringing a promise of warmer weather, weekends away are on the horizon. Our glorious mix of destination pubs and restaurants with rooms shines the spotlight on retreats that are not only perfect for planning a weekend around, but also tick the right boxes for stunning location, warm welcome, and a passion for good food and wine.
The Abbey Inn
Byland, North Yorkshire
In the heart of the Helmsley and the Howardian Hills, The Good Food Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destination for 2024
The remains of Byland Abbey tower over the entrance to this brilliant pub from Tommy Banks. There’s nothing but pure delight to be found in richly furnished bedrooms and cooking mixed with a steadfast approach to home-grown and home-reared produce.
At the Chapel
Bruton, Somerset
Foodie central for many – and a vibrant centre for art and contemporary design.
ingeniously modernised 18th-century chapel. (Credit: At the Chapel, Bruton, Somerset)
While the food on offer is fairly simple, the great flavours are hard to fault at this
ingeniously modernised 18th-century chapel, which takes in a well-established bakery, wine shop and up-to-date bedroom.
Coombeshead
Lewannick, Cornwall
In 66 acres of meadows, woodland and oak-lined streams.
If you've arrived hot-foot from far away, take a long, meandering wander around the fields. Smell the wild garlic. Look at the chickens and the piglets. Relax. The accommodation is a principal attraction (not least for the excellent breakfasts), but dinner is well worth a detour.
Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai
Farlam Hall, Cumbria
An ‘exceptional’ rated hotel restaurant two miles south of Hadrian's Wall.
Well-tended fires, plump sofas and comfortable bedrooms keep things cosy, while in the dining room, Hrishikesh Desai’s classic French technique and an Indian (sometimes East Asian) flavour palate will shake the most seasoned fine diners out of the ennui of tasting menus on repeat.
Freemasons Arms at Wiswell
Lancashire
Set in a quaint Ribble Valley village, the perfect spot for exploring the Forest of Bowland.
Enjoy the warmth and ambience of a traditional pub mixed with the stylish bedrooms of a contemporary restaurant with rooms. Best of all, there’s the added bonus of a committed and driven kitchen that aims high.
Glebe House
Colyton, Devon
A short drive from the Jurassic coast, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The setting is glorious, the interior design beautiful at this guest house and restaurant with a 15-acre smallholding. Glebe House offers something quite different in an area of Devon that is otherwise a little lacking in really brilliant dining options.
The Fernery at Grove of Narberth Pembrokeshire
A wonderful base for a mystical walking weekend among Britain’s most enthralling ancient landscape.
In Idyllic green surroundings, Grove of Narberth not only does fine dining admirably but also caters for those seeking a simpler, more relaxed experience. If you’re staying for a day or two, the Artisan Rooms offers a change of pace from the main event of dining in the flagship Fernery.
Killingworth Castle
Wootton, Oxfordshire
Two miles north of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A large, very Cotswoldy inn that manages to combine the feel of a pub (and drinkers are welcome) with impressive cooking and stylish modern bedrooms. Nothing disappoints.
Myse
Hovingham, North Yorkshire
An ‘exceptional’ rated restaurant in the Helmsley and the Howardian Hills, The Good Food Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destination for 2024.
With genuinely personable service, a stunning setting that matches the impressive cooking, and bedrooms as smartly finished as the bar and restaurant, it’s all so good it’s hard not to lean into the occasion and spend on drinks too.
Pine
East Wallhouses, Northumberland
An ‘exceptional’ rated restaurant seven miles from Corbridge Roman Town - Hadrian’s Wall.
Local, sustainable, no waste Pine is very down to earth. Which means the hygge cabins now available for overnight stays on Vallum Farm - fully equipped, contemporary cabins a short walking distance from the restaurant – just add to a vibe that is a bit like going to a good friend’s house for dinner.
