From ancient coaching inns to chic boutique hotels, discover ten renovated English foodie inns that promise unforgettable stays and exquisite dining experiences.
The Owl, North Yorkshire: A Michelin-Worthy Transformation
After a seven-month overhaul under the renowned Yorkshire chef Sam Varley, The Owl has swiftly made its mark in both the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide. This inn offers a delightful culinary experience with seasonal dishes such as spatchcock tandoori quail and pork T-bone with roasted peach. The nine cocoon-like bedrooms, adorned in deep green tones, provide the perfect retreat, whether you’re dining on the sunny terrace, in the elegant dining room, or by the fire in the stone-flagged bar.
The Village Pub, Cotswolds: Traditional Charm with a Gourmet Twist
Reopened in June, The Village Pub combines classic British pub fare with a modern foodie touch. Enjoy traditional snacks like pork pies and cockles alongside hearty mains such as smoked gammon and rabbit pie. The six rooms, tucked into the eaves, feature Egyptian cotton sheets and refreshing monsoon showers. The Village Pub serves as a cozy, food-focused retreat in the picturesque Cotswolds.
The White Horse, Surrey: Historic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
The 13th-century White Horse, one of Britain’s oldest coaching inns, underwent a £4 million renovation, reopening in May. Situated on Dorking’s charming high street, the inn’s restaurant serves simple yet superb dishes, from dressed Devon crab to slow-cooked pork roulade. Boutique-style rooms come equipped with Roberts radios, plush robes, and dog-friendly amenities, offering a blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury.
The Great Bustard, Wiltshire: A Countryside Gem with a Farm-to-Table Philosophy
The Great Bustard, part of the Great Durnford Estate, reopened in June following a comprehensive renovation. The pub’s 10 rooms, named after birds reintroduced to the UK, offer a rustic yet refined ambiance. The menu focuses on farm-to-table dining with estate-sourced meats and British cheeses. The adjoining farm shop provides local delicacies and organic spa products, enhancing the countryside experience.
The Packhorse, Suffolk: Racing-Adjacent Retreat with a Rustic Glam Twist
Just a stone’s throw from Newmarket’s racecourse, The Packhorse completed its renovation this summer, adding eight stylish rooms in a converted barn. The modern British menu features everything from dry-aged steaks to pineapple and rum tarte tatin. Rooms boast underfloor heating, rain showers, and sumptuous linens, with dog-friendly accommodations in the new barn rooms.
The Black Horse, West Sussex: Revitalized 17th-Century Classic
After a five-year hiatus, The Black Horse reopened last Easter with a major renovation restoring its original charm. The pub now features a pewter bar, deep sofas, and a double-sided wood-burning stove. Enjoy classic pub fare like fish pie and sticky toffee pudding, complemented by Sussex wines and craft beers. The elegantly furnished rooms offer comfort and scenic views, including rooftop balconies.
The Buddle Smugglers Inn, Isle of Wight: Historic Charm with Coastal Views
The Buddle Smugglers Inn, a beloved 16th-century establishment, reopened in spring after a four-month renovation. The inn retains its original features, including open fireplaces and exposed beams. The menu highlights Isle of Wight crab and seafood, alongside a range of pastas and steaks. Rooms offer crisp neutral decor and lovely sea views, with dogs welcome by prior arrangement.
The Stag & Huntsman, Buckinghamshire: A Michelin-Starred Rural Retreat
Reopened in January under new management and Michelin-starred chef Dom Robinson, The Stag & Huntsman offers a gourmet experience in the Hambleden Valley. Enjoy Welsh rarebit or rigatoni with ’nduja in the firelit bar and dining area. The inn features nine rustic rooms with luxurious Harrison Spinks beds and two family-friendly cottages.
The White Horses, East Sussex: Seaside Elegance with Art Deco Flair
The White Horses, an 18th-century coaching inn transformed into a stylish hotel in the 1930s, reopened in July. Located on Rottingdean’s seafront, the chic rooms combine art deco elegance with modern comforts. Seasonal menus highlight locally caught fish, with seafood platters and crab rarebit served on the sea-view terrace, perfect for enjoying a beachside meal.
The Brackenrigg, Lake District: Tranquil Elegance by Ullswater
Opened in April, The Brackenrigg sits on the serene banks of Ullswater, close to the family-friendly Another Place, The Lake. Guests can explore the hotel’s dining options, pools, and Kids’ Zone or enjoy lakeside activities. The menu features locally sourced dishes like venison burgers and sticky toffee pudding, with rooms offering lake views and dog-friendly accommodations.
