The Fox and Hounds, Exton

I am always wary of these old rural coaching inns as they can be a bit snooty. However I found the Fox and Hounds at Exton to be anything but. Friendly and welcoming on both sides of the bar.
A good range of ales with very good food menu. A lovely old building with a large blazing log fire on a January day. Extensive grounds with beer garden running down to a stream in this attractive Rutland stone and thatch village. Looking forward to visiting here in spring and summer but will be back there before then. Popular with local hikers and cyclists as well as locals. Worth seeking out.

8 Jan 2012 20:16

The Volunteer Arms, York

Big investment following years of neglect so good to see someone taking an interest and trying to halt the decline of the basic british pub. A very good selection of ales but a way to go yet on refurbishment. Friendly and clean however with a cheerful landlady. Worth a trip out of the city and there is a meandering foot path from the station / National railway museum

21 Dec 2011 20:35

The Cholmeley Arms, Burton Coggles

A very pretty village with a pub that has been rejuvenated from where it was a few years back. It has a deserved reputation for excellent food. Need to book well in advance particularly at weekends. A small bar with a cracking open log fire. Always a couple of hand pulled ales on and always a warm welcome. Of particular note is the shop attached to the pub which sells the same quality as is served in the pub restaurant. They even sell their own brand chocolate.

21 Dec 2011 20:15

The George And Dragon Hotel, Dent

Of the 2 pubs in the village this one is the less picturesque. I called at the other first for that reason and found it reasonably busy.
However the pint I had was slightly off (Not cloudy however ) and the service and decor nothing remarkable.
This pub was empty but the service (Landlords wife ) was friendly and attentive, as was her dog. 10 hand pumps on including a cider and guest beer. the remainder being from Dent brewery as you would expect. I was give guidance on the different characteristics and was not disappointed with tasty beer in perfect condition. The food was also first class. I am bordering on vegetarianism but the ham egg and chips may well send me the other way. Wonderful all round and just what i needed after cycling from the distant railway station. Possibly not what I needed for the final steep ascent back up the 1 in 4 switchback to catch the train home.
As I said at the beginning the less good looking of the 2 pubs but in my opinion the better of them both.

7 Aug 2011 21:40

St Marys Vaults, Stamford

Good value food lunchtimes in traditional surroundings. Restaurant area is to rear of premises and can be accessed direct via yard to avoid front bar if with family. Deservedly popular
Friendly long serving landlord and usual cheap drinks.
Massive games room in baronial splendour on first floor. Worth a visit

26 Mar 2011 19:15

The Slip Inn, York

Under refurbishment and the week we were in York saw upholstery being renewed. Opens at 5 each evening during the week and a very welcoming and friendly place - even to tourists ! Excellent beers in good condition. Basic front bar area with TV and lively company, the local allotment club are regular visitors. Rear bar quieter and good management ensures that that area is kept free of undesirable language and behaviour as it is used as a family area. This is a very positive facility in my view for any pub. I was told that plans under way that should see a kitchen and dining area built next year along with rebuilt toilets.York is a city with many first class pubs and the Slip is well on the way to being one of the very best.

29 May 2010 16:09