Alstonefield, a village in the Peak District on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, has been named home to the UK's cosiest pub and another that made the top ten, according to research by cottages.com. The village sits atop a limestone plateau with views over rolling green landscapes and has just over 300 residents.
Watts Russell Arms tops cosiest pub rankings
The Watts Russell Arms, an ivy-covered stone pub in the hamlet of Hopedale near Alstonefield, was named the cosiest pub in the UK. Built in the 18th century, it features low beamed ceilings and cosy colours inside. One review described it as a "great country pub after a long hike! The owner is friendly and helpful," giving it five stars for atmosphere. Another called it "characterful! A curious country pub."
The George also makes the top ten
The George at Alstonefield, a 300-year-old pub, ranked number eight on the list. Its Facebook page says: "A beautiful rural village pub located in the Peaks Park - muddy boots and dogs welcome!" The pub offers weekend breakfasts, Sunday lunch, and a classic pub menu. A recent review praised it as "A true gem of a pub in the heart of the quintessential English village. After a great morning stroll through the Peak District, we stumbled upon this brilliant, well-kept, well-preserved English pub. The best Sunday lunch/roast dinner that I have had in quite some time. A really good selection of local ales which pleased some of the oldies within our party."
Village attractions and advice
Visitors to Alstonefield can wander streets of limestone cottages and stop by the 12th-century St. Peter's Church, which is the site of the oldest legible gravestone in the country, belonging to Ann Green, who died in 1518. Belinda Vazquez, a director for cottages.com, advised: "The best pubs sometimes need scouting out, as they're not always on the main road or busy street. They're the ones with a fire that's always lit, a beer garden worth lingering in, and a landlord who knows your order by your second visit. Our data shows many Brits already have a specific criteria of what they look for in a good pub, whether it's local ales, snug interiors or a scenic view, and it's no coincidence that the cosiest pub in the Peak District isn't the one that tops search results. Sometimes the best move is to spend time exploring the area, ask a local, and see where the road takes you."
The UK's top ten cosiest pubs according to cottages.com are: Watts Russell Arms, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire; The Ship Inn, Macclesfield, Cheshire; The Old Bowling Green, Matlock, Derbyshire; The Plough Inn, Leadmill, Derbyshire; Ye Olde Bowling Green Inn, Hope Valley, Derbyshire; The White Hart Inn, Hope Valley, Derbyshire; The Lamb Inn, High Peak, Derbyshire; The George at Alstonefield, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire; Black Lion Inn, Leek, Staffordshire; and Jug & Glass Inn, Buxton, Derbyshire.
