BEST LOCAL PUBS – Our favourite country pubs in Herefordshire and Moumouthshire

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BEST LOCAL PUBS – Our favourite country pubs in Herefordshire and Moumouthshire

Everyone loves a local pub recommendation don’t they! And our guests are no different, with a number of wonderful little local watering holes, we thought it was only right to share our favourites, so here they are… cheers!

The Cornewall Arms, Clodock

Described on TripAdvisor as a ‘historic pub with the friendliest locals’, I’m actually rather surprised The Cornewall has even made it to trip advisor – nestled in our local hamlet of Clodock, the Cornewall really is ‘off-the-beaten-track’ and as many are surprised to see, it really is the place that time forgot.

Step through the front door, and become absorbed into another world, we often say to people having a drink in The Cornewall is like having a drink in a friends’ living room, because it is just that, meet the wonderful owner Isobel, who is teacher by day, landlady by night, and order a drink through the traditional hatch bar, and enjoy a packet of crisps (mixed with salted nuts and a pickled egg for the brave!) and cosy up by the fire watching the world go by!

In this wonderfully unspoilt pub of great character, there are also many traditional games on offer, including table skittles, darts and quoits. Just a short walk from Hatterrall through the fields, the Cornewall is well worth a visit!

Open evenings and weekends, serving drinks and snacks only.

Carpenters Arms, Walterstone

Run by the same family for generations this 300 year old pub located in the nearby hamlet of Walterstone, Herefordshire, has a good selection of real ales, and serves lovely, delicious traditional foodoffers delicious  The pub  remains  as  it  was  over  a  century  ago,  with  a  cosy  bar  which  is  well  stocked with  a  selection  of  real  ales  and  an  extensive  choice  of  local  ciders  from  both  sides of  the  border.  The  pub  is very popular in the local area and  attracts  many  people  who  return  time  and  time  again  to  sample  the  home  cooking  and to enjoy a fireside chat with Vera, the landlady who was born there and still runs it to this day.

Included in The Independent ‘The 50 Best Country Pubs’. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call to book. Cash or cheque only.

The Crown, Pantygelli

Situated in a quiet hamlet between the Sugarloaf and Skirrid mountains, just 7 miles from Hatterrall, this lovely pub is perfect for evening meals, bar snacks after a walk up the Sugarloaf or delicious Sunday roasts.

Their chef-driven menu highlights seasonal ingredients in simple, handcrafted dishes.
Wherever possible, they insist on using local Welsh produce, including Welsh Black Beef, Welsh Lamb, Free Range Chicken & Pork and they strive to support local businesses wherever possible!

Open all week long.

The Kilpeck Inn

Located in Kilpeck, a historic village in South Herefordshire is the Kilpeck Inn, a lovely pub serving great food! Originally a cottage built around 1650 from stones taken from the local Norman castle when it was broken down during the English Civil War, the Kilpeck Inn sits just up the road from the recently restored remains of the castle and the renowned 12th century Kilpeck church, described by Simon Jenkins as England’s most perfect Norman church.

The Inn itself has held a central role in village life for over 250 years and after an extensive refurbishment project re-opened in 2010 as a perfect example of a contemporary country inn. Championing the best local and seasonal produce, the Inn sources as much as possible from nearby artisan and award-winning suppliers and producers. As well as their main menu, a selection of sandwiches is available at lunchtimes, and they are continuing to offer a takeaway menu Tuesday to Sunday evenings and on Sunday lunchtimes. Their Sunday lunch is very popular and is served until 3.30pm every weekend.

Call to book. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Gwatkin Red Cow, Abbey Dore

Situated on a traditional family farm in the nearby village of Abbey Dare, Gwatkin Red Cow offers delicious home cooked food throughout the day. Take in the picturesque views from their veranda restaurant or in the sunshine on our licensed lawn area. Their talented chefs use only the finest ingredients sourced locally to create traditional hearty dishes cooked to an exceptional standard. Whether you wish to join them for an evening meal, one of our lunchtime favourites, a hearty breakfast, their popular Sunday roast or just pop in for homemade cake, you’ll be sure to go away with a full stomach and a happy heart. And of course, you must try a Gwatkin cider when you’re there, the Herefordshire brewed cider for which they are best known!

See their website for opening times and to book.

The Bear, Crickhowell

Situated in the heart of the picturesque market town of Crickhowell, the Bear has been welcoming guests for 500 years and still extends the same warmth, comfort and cosy atmosphere.

The Bear Hotel is often described as “a melting pot”, where people from all walks of life come together to have a great time. You’re always sure to enjoy a great meal at the Bear, where they offer an eclectic mix of modern British comfort food, gastro pub and international dishes guaranteed to delight.

Named one of the AA’s Best Pubs in Wales, twice, you’ll be sure to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a lovely evening at the Bear!

Open every day.

The Moody Cow, Upton Bishop

You’re sure to enjoy a delicious meal at the Moody Cow! Whilst a little further afield (28 miles, 50 minute drive) than our other local recommendations, the Moody Cow is well-worth the travel time!

Always greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere, the Moody Cow is the perfect place to relax and enjoy superb food, drinks and hospitality in a lovely setting, the pretty village of Upton Bishop, two miles from the historic market town of Ross-on-Wye.

Open Wednesday to Sunday.

The Bell Inn, Skenfrith

The Bell is a beautiful country pub located in the picturesque village of Skenfrith. They offer a traditional Sunday roast with a modern twist, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their restaurant has won many awards including the ‘Best Place to Eat – Pub’ in the Wales National Tourism Awards, as voted by the public and Joseph Colman, Head Chef of the The Bell’s restaurant, has been selected for the MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2022 

The produce is seasonal and sourced locally, with some from their own kitchen garden. The Restaurant’s dress code is smart/casual whereas the front of the restaurant, near the bar, is more relaxed.  Children are most welcome, however, only children over the age of 8 may dine in the restaurant in the evenings. 

Closed on Monday and Tuesdays. Lunch is served from 12pm to 2.30pm Wednesday to Saturday.  Sunday lunch served from 12pm until 3pm.

The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold

The Temple Bar Inn is a cozy pub located in the village of Ewyas Harold. Independently owned and first licensed in the 1850s, the beautiful Virginia Creeper clad, stone building changes appearance throughout the year, from light to dark green leaves during spring and summer, to an autumnal fiery red and is a real focal point for the village.

Assured of a warm welcome from landlord and locals, a roaring wood burner in the winter, and a beautiful sun drenched rear courtyard in the summer, The Temple Bar Inn serves delicious meals offering casual dining, fresh food and local ingredients.

Open Tuesday – Sunday.

Bridge Inn, Michealchurch

Set in a picturesque location by the river Escley, serving seasonal Herefordshire pub food, The Bridge Inn is a cozy country pub located in the village of Michaelchurch Escley. They serve a traditional Sunday roast with a choice of meats and all the trimmings, and tasty week-night dinners.

Open Tuesday to Sunday.