Discover Hidden Gems in The Best Cultural Hotspots

They're not your average locals. Swap the dart boards for decadent seasonal dishes, the dregs of a barrel for a revolving range of craft beers, and the same old views for some of the UK's most scenic backdrops - expect riverside relaxation, countryside scenes and even historic castles.

There's a reason these pubs were hand-picked for our Collection. Start exploring the crème de la crème of British pubs - they're waiting to welcome you below.

As you might expect from a pub called The Swan in Broadway, known as the "Jewel of the Cotswolds," this graceful setting is deserving of a spot on your must-visit pubs. Sitting pretty on the High Street of this picture-postcard village and nestled amongst honey-coloured cottages, this equally picturesque dog-friendly pub is sure to catch your eye if you're walking The Cotswold Way National Walking Trail. 

When you see their sun-kissed outdoor terrace, or detect the aroma of a delicious Sunday roast in the air, you may find yourself on a little detour for lunch.

Pay attention to the name, because it’s exactly what you’ll be cheering once you savour the tastes of Olde England, the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre and the gorgeous seasonal creations on the menus of this picturesque pub.

Nestled amongst the boutique shops and tourist hot spots of Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare – prepare to take a bow at The Encore, where you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful, rural Warwickshire countryside and the lengths of the iconic River Avon.

But before the curtain falls, make sure to soak up the serene sights by dining al fresco in the Outdoor Area – missing out is as great a tragedy as The Bard’s most famous tales.

Robert Dudley may have been the great love of Queen Elizabeth I, but soon, this elegant pub – situated opposite his once-home of Kenilworth Castle, an English Heritage site – is soon to be yours.

A gorgeous, characterful pub with its very own courtyard and garden to rival the fanciful Elizabethan Gardens nearby, The Queen & Castle in Kenilworth is always waiting with a royal welcome – and equally luxurious dishes to match.

Make it an occasion to remember with views as majestic and eye-catching as the fresh, flavourful dishes and hand-crafted tipples on their country pub menus.

When you’re roaming the peaceful village of Lower Wolvercote in the north of Oxford, don’t miss out on the biggest catch of all – The Trout Inn, a historic pub overlooking the banks of the tranquil River Thames. 

As a Grade II listed building that has been around since the 17th century, this sophisticated setting has long attracted friendly faces and curious tourists – and with a private bookable space available for events and celebrations, it’s sure to remain that way for years to come. 

The Regency town of Cheltenham has two achievements it wears with pride. Not only was it voted the “Best Place to Live in the South West” by The Sunday Times... but it’s also the home of The Langton, a stylish pub tempting you to escape reality.

Wander from the nearby boutique shops and wealth of local attractions – like the vibrant Imperial Gardens – into this ornate Georgian building, where crackling fires and stylish interiors hint at lazy afternoons and lively evenings, surrounded by hand-crafted tipples and flavourful dishes.

When there’s a private bookable space for all events and celebrations, from weddings and baby showers to milestone anniversaries, this isn’t a pub you’ll want to keep all to yourself – though you may be tempted.

Located on the edge of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park is a pub that’s only a short drive from Holyrood Palace, yet every bit as regal. The Sheep Heid Inn is rumoured to have been bringing its own brand of R&R to this spot since 1360 – if true, this would make this gorgeous pub one of the oldest surviving licensed premises in Edinburgh.

Naturally, such a historic spot for socialising attracts local royalty, with Mary Queen of Scots stopping by many times to play skittles in the courtyard – with our Skittle Alley built in 1880, which still survives to this day – and Queen Elizabeth II visiting in 2016.

With breathtaking views and an effortlessly relaxing atmosphere to match, can you blame them?

Tucked between The Oxford Playhouse and The New Theatre on Oxford’s George Street, The Red Lion is no stranger to giving travellers and locals alike a place to escape the drama of daily life for a spell of seasonal menus, freshly poured drinks, and intimate moments with the people they love.

From its sprawling beer garden – known to be one of the biggest beer gardens in Oxford – you can soak up the majesty of the city’s skyline, jumping from striking spires to dramatic domes. 

Once you’re suitably relaxed, treat yourself to a stroll around Oxford’s iconic colleges, wander across the quadrant lawns, or take to the waters of the gentle River Thames.