Why the great British pub is better than ever
The numbers show that pubs across the country are shutting down — but those that are still thriving are doing so because they're better than ever, says Giles Kime.
Restaurants and pubs
From cosy inns and pubs to the smartest places in town, Country Life reviews the very best pubs and restaurants across the country. From pre-theatre dining in London to the best places to eat in The Cotswolds, Country Life reviews the best restauraunts in the country regularly.
-
-
Country Life's Little Green Book: The top eco-friendly companies making the world a better place
In our inaugural Little Green Book, Country Life presents a list of brands that are striving to make the world a better place without compromising on style. Compiled by Giles Kime and Rosie Paterson.
-
Pythouse Kitchen Garden: An ideal spot to reward yourself after battling past Stonehenge on the A303
After one too many sub-standard service station sandwiches, Rosie Paterson finds the Pythouse Kitchen Garden, a spot just off the A303 worth getting excited about.
-
The Halfway Bridge Inn review: A dog-friendly South Downs oasis
If you're looking for a spot to lay your head in West Sussex, The Halfway Bridge seems a tempting and brilliantly located spot between Midhurst and Petworth. Octavia Pollock paid a visit.
-
'Hang on — was I just charged 64 quid for some salad, six chicken strips and a quiche the size of a doorknob?'
Lucy Baring heads in to London and feels the cost of inflation.
-
The Clockspire restaurant review: A sensation in Somerset — and how to prepare their signature venison dish
The Clockspire in sleepy Milborne Port offers a stylish slice of sophisticated dining that you might not expect to discover in rural Somerset. Paula Lester paid a visit, and came away with an amazing experience — and a wonderful venison recipe to share.
-
Seven wonderful restaurants across Britain that will make you feel like you're on holiday (perfect if you can't go right now)
Hetty Lintell and Rosie Paterson round up the best restaurants to escape to if you can’t get away on holiday, in London and beyond.
-
How to make mini Christmas cake canapés
How to make mini Christmas cake canapés, a perfect seasonal mouthful.
-
Curious Questions: How did curry become Britain's national dish?
Martin Fone takes a look at the first Indian restaurant in Britain, discovering what was on its first menu, and finding out how lager became the traditional accompaniment to curry dishes.
-
Under the dome: The Willow Tree restaurant's innovative approach to post-coronavirus dining
The Willow Tree in the Cambridgeshire village of Bourn has a novel way of letting people enjoy a meal out in splendid isolation. Dean Usher paid a visit.
-
A drink for all seasons: A Chelsea grotto that's the epitome of the tactically-placed wine bar
Alexandra Fraser extols the wonders of her favourite flavour of city escape, while sampling London’s latest rendition: Bottles, on Draycott Avenue.
-
Bar Douro restaurant review: Small plates and massive flavours in a spot which marries convenience and excellence
The restaurants around Waterloo station and London's South Bank are all easy places to meet with friends, but some are striving to be a little more than that, as Samuel Goldsmith discovered on a visit to Bar Douro.
-
Can a good pub sell a country house?
A good pub within walking distance is on most buyers’ wish lists and can even uphold an area’s value. But what makes the perfect village pub? Arabella Youens investigates.
-
Alan Titchmarsh: The 'Hollywood A-listers' of the plant world are fussy, flouncy — and totally irresistible
Alan Titchmarsh waxes lyrical about the benefits of bulbs, and why disposing of them year on year might not be the environmental sin that it seems.
-
Revealed: The most dog-friendly pubs in Britain
Looking for a place to take your pet? The winners of the Rover Most Dog-Friendly Pub of the Year awards have just been announced.
-
The Bell at Stow: A beautiful bolthole full of Cotswolds charm, masterfully combining a rustic pub and a stunning boutique hotel
Alexandra Fraser continues her tour around the British countryside and discovers a hidden gem.
-
Margot, Covent Garden restaurant review: A delight from carpaccio to tiramisu, plus a recipe for their venison tortellini
Dinner in London can sometimes be a bit of a rush, but it's worth taking the time to enjoy Margot to its fullest, as Alexandra Fraser discovered on a visit to Margot.
-
Church Road restaurant review: A Barnes landmark re-born, and set to become a destination for foodies
Mark Hedges wasn't happy when one of his favourite local restaurants closed its doors earlier this year — but its replacement has him beaming from ear to ear.
-
Why brunch has made a comeback, and the best places to enjoy it in London
Put down your wellies – the countryside weekend has been abandoned in favour of urban brunch plans. Debora Robertson investigates what the meal has done to our weekend and how to host your own in style.
-
The best pubs in Britain for 2020 have been named — and the top two are within a few minutes of each other
The North-Western county has triumphed in the latest Good Pub Guide awards, with local pubs taking two top spots and two shortlisted places
