Looking for a night away after being cooped up at home all summer? Then head for one of the UK’s Bib Gourmand awarded restaurants with rooms.
The Bib Gourmand is MICHELIN’s award for good quality, good value cooking, so not only will your meal be delicious, it won’t break the bank either!
And the best bit? There’s no need to drive home afterwards…just head upstairs, down the corridor or across the yard to where your bedroom awaits.
The Hundred of Ashenden
Ashenden, Bucks
In Saxon times, shires were divided into ‘hundreds’ for military and judicial purposes. Nestled between the Chilterns and the Cotswolds, this charming 17C inn keeps the concept alive by sourcing its produce from within its ‘hundred’. Great value dishes arrive in hearty portions, packed full of flavour – and influences from chef-owner Matt’s time at St John are clear to see. The bedrooms are continually being upgraded.
The Windmill Chatham Green
Chelmsford, Essex
Friendly young couple, Mick and Lydia, have transformed this whitewashed inn into a smart dining pub, whilst retaining its character and original features. Concise menus constantly evolve as the latest seasonal produce arrives and the fresh, tasty dishes are refined versions of British and pub classics. Larger parties can book to eat in the base of the village’s old windmill, with a current maximum of 6 guests from no more than 2 households. Bedrooms offer country-style luxury.
Cat Inn
West Hoathly, W. Sussex
Popular with the locals and very much a village pub, with beamed ceilings, pewter tankards, open fires and plenty of snug corners. Currently all drinks are served at the table, with a maximum of 8 people from 2 households per table. Carefully executed, good value cooking focuses on pub classics like locally smoked ham, egg and chips or steak, mushroom and ale pie. Service is friendly and efficient – and four tastefully decorated bedrooms complete the picture.
Bell Inn
Langford, Oxon
This remotely set inn dates from the 16C and its rustic charm is hard to resist with stone floors, exposed beams and an impressive inglenook fireplace. The seasonal menu is a roll call of the classics and there’s a wood-burning oven for pizzas and flatbreads too. Dishes have distinct, honest flavours and it’s clear that the chef knows his fish from his faggots. Pleasingly furnished bedrooms are housed in a series of outbuildings.
Wiveton Bell
Holt, Norfolk
This modernised pub features beams, stripped floors and wood-burning stoves; with picnic tables out the front, a beautifully landscaped rear terrace and a marquee in the garden. The seasonal menu offers pub classics that are carefully crafted from quality local ingredients; dine with up to 6 people from different households. Stylish bedrooms have smart bathrooms.
Duncombe Arms
Ellastone, Staffs
A characterful dining pub owned by the Hon. Johnny Greenall and his wife – a descendant of the Duncombe family. There are several cosy rooms to choose from, each with their own identity, and menus mix pub classics with more ambitious restaurant-style dishes. Luxurious bedrooms overlook the countryside.
Charlton Arms
Ludlow, Shrops
This appealing, personally run pub sits in a commanding position on the banks of the River Teme and is owned by Claude Bosi’s brother Cedric and Cedric's wife, Amy. Menus offer something for everyone and the carefully prepared dishes are good value and full of flavour. Most of the well-equipped bedrooms have stunning river outlooks.
Hope & Anchor
South Ferriby, N. Lincs
A rustic, nautically-themed pub with Humber views. Fresh, hearty British dishes display touches of originality and showcase fish from Grimsby, fruit and veg from their smallholding and meats from the Lake District – which are aged in a glass-fronted drying cabinet. Bedrooms are modern; some have estuary views.
The Antidote
Ilfracombe, Devon
A sweet, glass-fronted shop conversion set just off the quayside and run by a charming couple; brown paper covered tables contribute to the cool, modish feel. Thoughtfully prepared menus list well-judged dishes with plenty of flavour. Bedrooms are modern – one has a small terrace.
Cornish Arms
Tavistock, Devon
A fine selection of St Austell ales sit behind the bar, which provide a clue as to the owners. The knowledgeable team are genuinely warm and welcoming and the mix of drinkers and diners make for a great atmosphere. Appealing dishes mix classic elements with some unusual modern twists; dishes are bursting with flavour – and you’ll have to go a long way to beat the sorbets! Bedrooms are bold and stylish. Open Wednesday-Sunday throughout July.
Rick Steins Café
Padstow, Cornwall
An old favourite in the heart of town: this is a deceptively large café hidden behind a tiny shop front. The concise, seasonally changing menu offers unfussy dishes which display influences from Thailand, Morocco and the Med. The homemade bread is worth a try, as is the good value set dinner menu. Bedrooms are comfy and simply furnished; have breakfast in the café or the small courtyard garden.
Kota
Porthleven, Cornwall
A welcoming harbourside granary with thick stone walls, a tiled floor and an array of wood furnishings; its name means ‘shellfish’ in Maori. Menus mix unfussy and more elaborate dishes and display subtle Asian influences courtesy of the owner’s Chinese and Malaysian background. Many of the ingredients are foraged. Bedrooms are simply furnished – one overlooks the harbour.
Bonnie Badger
Gullane, East Lothian
Tom and Michaela Kitchin have created their version of a modern pub in a former coaching inn dating from 1836. The bar remains the hub while the dining room offers a menu of refined, boldly flavoured pub classics which follow a ‘nature to plate’ philosophy. Stylish bedrooms showcase Scottish designers and are sublimely comfortable.
Other Bib Gourmand Restaurants with Rooms re-opening soon:
Kilberry Inn
Kilberry, Argyll and Bute
Re-opens 1st August
St Tudy Inn
St Tudy, Cornwall
Rooms open for bed & breakfast.
Restaurant to re-open at a later – as yet unconfirmed – date.
Gunton Arms
Thorpe Market, Norfolk
Hoping to re-open in August
