As the leaves begin to fall and winter wardrobe makes its annual return, there’s no better time to seek out a cosy country pub. When the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, few things beat sinking into a comfortable seat in a pub by the fire with a pint in hand after a crisp autumn walk.
Across our pub estate, our pubs are already embracing the season. The fires are beginning to crackle, warm welcomes are waiting, and festive touches are beginning to appear ahead of Christmas. Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a family outing, or just looking for somewhere to escape the cold, our pubs provide the perfect setting for those cosy moments.Â
Here are just a few of our wonderful pubs with fires for you to warm up next to…
Alvanley Arms, Cotebrook
With a history spanning more than 400 years, the Alvanley Arms is a traditional country pub in the village of Cotebrook. During the warmer months, guests can enjoy the attractive beer garden overlooking the duck pond and trout lake. As the seasons change, the cosy bar and log fire make it the perfect place to settle in and warm up.
Surrounded by beautiful Cheshire countryside, the Alvanley Arms is the perfect place to refuel after scenic walks and days out. With six luxurious en-suite bedrooms, it also makes a great base for exploring some of Cheshire’s most popular attractions, including Oulton Park, Blakemere Craft Centre, Chester and Tatton Park.
Boot Inn, Eskdale
After a day spent exploring the stunning Lake District, there’s no better place to warm up than the Boot Inn in Eskdale.
Whether you’ve tackled Scafell Pike, Harter Fell or Great Gable, or enjoyed a walk through the valley, the Boot offers a welcoming retreat from the typical English weather that we all know comes this time of year. Tucked beneath the surrounding fells, it’s the ideal spot to relax with a drink beside the fire after a day outdoors. Planning a longer stay? The Boot Inn also has rooms available, making it a great choice for a walking weekend in one of the Lakes’ most beautiful landscapes.
Black Lion, Llanfair Talhaiarn
In the centre of the village of Llanfair Talhaiarn beside the River Elwy, the Black Lion is a traditional village pub known for its warm welcome and cosy atmosphere.
Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the surrounding landscape of trees turns shades of gold and amber as the leaves start to fall. Inside, cosy corners and a roaring log fire provide the perfect spot to escape the chill. With hearty pub food, great pints and a friendly atmosphere, the Black Lion is the ideal place to settle in after a day spent exploring North Wales.
Bulls Head, Kerridge
The Bulls Head is a beautiful 17th-century pub in the hamlet of Kerridge, overlooking Bollington and below White Nancy, the much-loved local landmark popular with walkers and cyclists. This pub is full of character, with cosy corners, low ceilings and a welcoming open fire and eclectic vintage furniture and artwork. It’s also perfectly positioned beside the Middlewood Way, a route following the former railway line that’s ideal for walking, cycling and running through the surrounding countryside.
After a day outdoors, visitors can enjoy the pints, the delicious homemade pizzas, sausage rolls and comforting pub classics. The Bulls Head is the place to visit if you are around the Macclesfield and fancy warming up after exploring.
THE SHIP, CONSITON
On the edge of Coniston village in the heart of the Lake District, The Ship is in the perfect spot for anyone looking to explore one of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. Sitting along the Cumbria Way and surrounded by breath-taking scenery, it’s an ideal spot to stop to warm up, have a pint and simply take a moment to relax.
After a day spent exploring the fells, lakes and walking trails, step inside and warm up beside the fire in the pub’s welcoming and cosy surroundings. Whether you’ve tackled the Old Man of Coniston, strolled along the former railway line, or enjoyed time on Coniston Water, The Ship offers the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
For those planning a longer stay, The Ship also offers comfortable overnight accommodation and campervans are welcome too. With board games and entertainment, great food, quality ales and a warm atmosphere waiting inside, it’s the perfect retreat as the evenings grow colder.
Looking for other pubs across the estate to explore? Click the link below to visit our pub finder to plan your next visit.