LONDON, UK. – September 6, 2010 – Gastro pubs and 5-star hotels are all very well but what if all you really want is a good old fashioned pint of real ale in a traditional British inn? TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today reveals the UK’s top 10 real ale pubs with accommodation – as ranked by real travellers through the site’s Popularity Index.
“September is one of the busiest times in the British beer festival calendar so why not really indulge your love for real ale and make a weekend break of it. These British pubs all have the winning combination for ale fans – the chance to sample the local brew with the added bonus of a nice bed for sleeping off the effects”, said Emma O’Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor.
1. The Castle Inn, West Lulworth, Dorset
From Yogi Beer to Cornish Coaster, this 16th Century thatched pub has an extensive range of real ales. It’s a family-run inn that’s pet friendly and its location on the Jurassic coast next to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door make it the perfect place for a walk to work up a thirst. It was also named as East Dorset’s ‘Rural Pub of the Year’ 2010 by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Great traditional pub, perfect for a pint with your dog.”
2. The Saint George & Dragon, Exeter, England
This traditional country pub holds a real ale festival for seven weeks until 17th September. Every year the pub searches the country to bring “7 real ales of distinction” to its doors – with one introduced every week of the festival. From new breweries like Sharp’s to the thousand year old Greene King there are ales to suit all tastes at this vintage inn festival. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Great beer and food – try the Tribute real ale. We’ll be back very soon.”
3. The Four Mary’s, West Lothian, Scotland
The Four Mary’s Pub, famous for its cask ale, is recognised by CAMRA in the Good Beer Guide and offers 20 ales. The pub hosts the annual Cask Ale Festival which runs during the last weekend of October and will be celebrating its 24thanniversary this year. They stock the best of Scotland’s breweries, including Belhaven and Inveralmond. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “The atmosphere is lovely and there’s an excellent selection of beers.”
4. White Horse Inn, Clun, Shropshire
The landlord, Jack Limond, keeps the highest quality local ales in the cellars. The White Horse has been listed in CAMRA since 2002 and the pub holds a number of events including an annual four day ‘Booze ‘n’ Blues Festival’ and in October they are one of seven pubs that take part in the popular Clun Valley Beer Festival. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “A thriving village pub with friendly locals, excellent real ales, quality pub grub and very attentive service.”
5.The Village Pub, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
This traditional country pub just outside Cirencester is anything but a tourist destination. Recently refurbished by new owners, it’s a local pub at the heart of the village community. The food includes classic English dishes with creative and contemporary touches. There’s also a good variety of local ales. According to one TripAdvisor Traveller: “I can’t wait to go back again. The refurbished rooms are such a great improvement.”
6. The White Hart Hotel, Modbury, Devon
Serving fantastic St. Austell ales and food from locally sourced ingredients, owners Tim and Liz run a “traditional pub with traditional values”. The pub has five quirky bedrooms all named after local farms and areas and there are regular comedy and music nights.
According to one TripAdvisor traveller, “The staff are the best I’ve come across, so professional and friendly.”
7. The Fox and Anchor, Clerkenwell, London
The Fox and Anchor has been serving the traders of Smithfield Market for years. It continues to do so, but now offers clean and stylish accommodation above the traditional pub. The food is honest and well priced with hearty English dishes such as beef pie – perfect with a foaming tankard of Fox & Anchor Ale, brewed especially for the pub by the Nethergate Brewery.
As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “The best pub and hotel in London – highly recommend.”
8. Pack Horse Inn, New Mills, Derbyshire
Nestled in the hills on the edge of the Peak District, this inn offers twelve quality en-suite bedrooms. The ales change frequently and the inn has been CAMRA listed for more than a decade. There are 13 golf courses within a 6-mile radius and the inn is within easy reach of Chatsworth House and the market towns of Buxton and Bakewell. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Beautiful surroundings, exceptional accommodation, good food and great ales.”
9. The Bull, Long Melford, Suffolk
The Bull Hotel can trace its roots back to 1450 and there is history all around, from the huge oak beams to the open fire places and large wooden carvings. There are 25 bedrooms and two suites and the pub is renowned for its exceptional service and the chef’s specialities. There is a wide variety of traditional ales and a small courtyard for outside drinking in the summer time. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “It’s clean, well kept and teaming with history. Also, the choice of real ales was excellent and the food was top notch.”
10. The Coach & Horses, Brixworth, Northamptonshire
The licensees, Les and Anthea, have been at the Coach & Horses for over 20 years and offer a superb selection of traditional pub dishes, priding themselves on using products sourced locally to the area. For the beer connoisseur they have a good choice of three real ales. As one recent TripAdvisor traveller sums up, “Quaint, convenient and lovable – a real gem – outstanding quality and great value”
