Pubs with Rooms: The New Boutique Hotels

Once the heart of the village, where locals gathered for a pint and travellers stopped for a meal, the humble British pub has undergone a quiet revolution. Today, many of these historic inns and pubs have evolved into something far more enticing—offering not just craft ales and hearty dishes but beautifully designed rooms that rival some of the best boutique hotels and often at half the price.

A Shift in Hospitality

There’s been a noticeable change in the way people want to stay. The charm of a boutique hotel remains appealing, but there’s something about the authenticity of a pub with rooms that resonates. Perhaps it’s the laid-back atmosphere, the connection to the local community, or the appeal of sipping a well-poured ale by an open fire before retreating upstairs to a stylish, characterful bedroom.

Many of these reinventions have been carefully considered, blending period features—think flagstone floors, wooden beams, and roaring fireplaces—with contemporary design, luxurious bedding, and luxury bathrooms with fragrant lotions and potions. Some even rival five-star hotels, with Egyptian cotton sheets, roll-top baths, and impeccable service, all within an effortlessly welcoming and relaxed setting.

A More Personal Experience

Unlike larger hotels, where service can sometimes feel impersonal, pubs with rooms offer a more intimate and friendly experience. You’ll often find owners or chefs chatting to diners, bartenders who remember your drink preference, and a genuine warmth that’s hard to replicate in a larger establishment. A great example of this is The Double Red Duke in the Cotswolds from Country Creatures, one of my favourite haunts, worth the journey from wherever you live just for one night!

The Double Red Duke, Country Creatures

Many of these pubs are independently owned and run by people deeply passionate about hospitality, food, and the history of their buildings, once trademarks of boutique hotels. Attention to detail makes each stay feel special, whether it’s homemade biscuits in the room, a carefully selected wine list, Roberts Radios, or a breakfast showcasing the best local produce.

The Best of Both Worlds

Staying in a pub with rooms offers the best of both worlds: the cosy informality of a classic British inn and the comforts of a boutique hotel. There’s no need to venture far for an excellent meal, as these pubs have kitchens that celebrate seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Think hand-dived scallops, slow-cooked lamb, or freshly baked sourdough served with local cheeses—all paired with a carefully selected wine list or a pint from the neighbouring brewery.

Evenings can be spent unwinding with a book by the fire, enjoying the convivial atmosphere of the bar, or taking a post-dinner stroll through a charming village or scenic countryside before retreating upstairs to a beautifully designed room.

A Sense of Place

One of the joys of staying in a pub with rooms is the strong sense of place. Many of these inns have stood for centuries, their walls steeped in history, their locations perfectly positioned for exploring nearby market towns, coastal walks, or rolling countryside.

Whether it’s a thatched coaching inn in the Cotswolds, a seafront pub in Cornwall, or a countryside smugglers inn in the Lake District, these stays offer something unique. You’re not just visiting a destination—you’re experiencing its traditions, its produce, and its community in a way that feels organic and unforced.

The Future of Boutique Stays?

As more travellers seek authenticity, individuality, and a deeper connection to the places they visit, pubs with rooms are perfectly positioned to meet this demand. They offer a refreshing alternative to both the cookie-cutter hotel experience and the unpredictability of some self-catering stays.

With their focus on good food, stylish rooms, and relaxed yet refined hospitality, these pubs are proving that you don’t need a grand lobby or a concierge desk to deliver a memorable stay or experience. The boutique hotel may still have its place, but the future of intimate, characterful escapes might just be found in the corner of a historic pub, where the welcome is warm, the ale is poured just right, and the bedroom upstairs is more inviting than ever.