Britain’s best pub revealed

There’s nothing more delightful about life in Britain than holing up in a great pub; roaring fires, cosy ambience, a good pint and hearty food are a must.

Finding the perfect pub is like discovering the Holy Grail. That’s what The Good Pub Guide 2016 has done, and its Pub of Year is the Horse and Groom in Bourton on the Hill, Cotswolds.

Beating off competition from more than 5,000 other pubs, the Horse and Groom was acknowledged as: “A handsome Georgian inn with a fine range of drinks, excellent food, friendly staff and lovely views from seats outside.”

Since 2005, the Horse and Groom has been owned and run by two brothers, Will and Tom Greenstock, aged 36 and 39 respectively; Will and his kitchen brigade deliver mouth-watering menus, while Tom and the front of house team offer a warm welcome and efficient service.

A Grade II listed building of Cotswold stone, the Horse and Groom is packed with character and original period features and also boasts spectacular views over Gloucestershire.

Tom Greenstock said: “Winning the Pub of the Year award is what Will and I have been striving for since we opened ten years ago. We’ve gained recognition through several other awards, but this really is the icing on the cake: it’s the award that every publican dreams of winning.”

With a strong focus on quality, locally sourced food, the pub also has its own veg patch and fruit cage within its own grounds, and an allotment in the neighbouring village of Blockley. The well-stocked bar offers variety from old favourites to new brews, with three hand pumps taking centre stage and offering a regularly changing selection of local real ales. Five bedrooms, each individually styled and cosy, can also be booked.