The Little Black Book: Pubs

Stoke Park Spa

Muddy says: Vanity Fair called Stoke Park’s spa one of the ‘four Must Visit spas in the world’ and I’m not going to argue with that judgement – the five star facilities and relaxed, luxe vibe make it a dead cert for a perfect spa day.
The Fuzzy Duck Armscote, nr Stratford-upon-Avon

Muddy says: this elegant inn and B&B was winner of Muddy Warwickshire's Best Boutique Stay award 2017. Excellent food, thoughtful touches, including Hunter wellies to borrow, and 4 luxe bedrooms.
The Kitchen, Farnborough

Muddy says: just over a year old but showing no teething troubles, The Kitchen is a stylish pub with a Savoy and Dorchester trained owner/chef, set in pretty countryside on the Oxon/Warcs borders.
The Townhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon

Muddy says: Refurbished boutique stay with relaxed restaurant and bar in the centre of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, close to the RSC and opposite Shakespeare's Schoolroom with 12 comfortable, contemporary, en-suite bedrooms.
The High Field, Edgbaston

Muddy says: an award-winning buzzing bar & gastropub, elegant places to eat overlooking a leafy garden and glamorous private rooms for meetings and celebrations.
The Rose & Crown, Warwick

Muddy says: A stylish award-winning pub with 13 bedrooms in the heart of Warwick, great for chilling on sofas, warm open fires in winter, cosy hidden alcoves and interesting menu.
The Star & Garter, Leamington Spa

Muddy says: A great Leamington local. Behind its imposing Victorian frontage is a spacious bar and eatery and a stylish private dining room - a really welcoming, sociable place to meet, eat and drink.
The One Elm, Stratford

Muddy says: A lovely, lively Victorian pub, five minutes walk from the centre of Stratford, with an attractive courtyard, fab Sunday lunches and jovial atmosphere.
The Almanack, Kenilworth

Muddy says: a real community with red leather booths and chic Tom Dixon mesh bar lighting. You'll catch knitting groups along with mums and toddlers by day; and a more glam crowd by night.
The George Townhouse, Shipston-on-Stour

Muddy says: Feels, like popping into a very stylish friend's house - who just happens to serve up delicious grub and can put you up in one of 15 luxe bedrooms!
THE MAYTIME INN

The Maytime Inn is a luxurious, 4 star gold rating hideaway, tucked into the historic village of Asthall, Oxfordshire. Dating back to the 17th century, it was bought by now-owner Dominic Wood in 2012 and has since been extensively renovated and remodelled. There is now a bar and restaurant for visitors to enjoy, as well […]
THE PORCH HOUSE

A handsome, Grade II* listed, Cotswold building with parts dating from 947AD, The Porch House, in the heart of historic Stow-on-the-Wold, claims to be ‘England’s oldest Inn’. It is also a stylish boutique retreat with restaurant, inn and 13 stylish rooms from £99 a night on a B&B basis. A light and airy bar with […]
RED LION PUB & KITCHEN, BLEWBURY

A 17th century village Inn with three bedrooms set in delightful Downland village of Blewbury, near Didcot. The Red Lion Pub & Kitchen re-opened in March 2016, after a major refurbishment by new head chef/proprietor, Phil Wild and wife, Arden. Once the local for Kenneth Grahame, author of Wind in the Willows and thriller writer, […]