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