As winter tightens its grip and the festive season approaches, a new study has definitively identified the best place in Britain to find a warm, welcoming pub. The Cosy Pub Index, compiled by Beavertown Brewery, has crowned Staffordshire as the nation's premier destination for cosy pub-goers.
The Cosy Pub Index: How the Winner Was Found
The research, which comes as online searches for "cosy pubs" surged by almost 50% in the past month, assessed venues across the country based on key atmospheric criteria. Analysts examined factors including ceiling heights, lighting, warmth, and festive decorations to determine which establishments offered the ultimate snug retreat from the cold.
The results, published in December 2025, placed Staffordshire firmly at the top. The county boasts an impressive 230 pubs meeting the cosy criteria, securing its victory over more traditional favourites.
The Top Contenders for Cosy Pub Glory
Staffordshire's win may surprise some, but it convincingly outperformed its rivals. Derbyshire took second place with 196 cosy venues, followed closely by Cheshire with 188. The southwestern favourite, Cornwall, came in fourth with 186, while North Yorkshire completed the top five with 182 cosy pubs.
A look at Staffordshire's top-rated pubs on platforms like TripAdvisor shows why it triumphed. Leading the pack is Osmar's Table at The Fox Inn in Dosthill, rated 4.9 stars and praised for its "warm atmosphere" and festive-friendly menu. Other notable mentions include The Feathers Inn in Lichfield for its relaxed vibe, and the perennially busy Lazy Trout in Meerbrook, loved for its classic pub feel and hill views.
The Cosy Pub Corridor and Regional Trends
The study revealed a distinct geographical trend, with the North and Midlands dominating the top spots. It also identified a potential "cosy pub corridor" ideal for tourists, stretching from Cheshire through Derbyshire and Staffordshire, into Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
In contrast, the South East ranked notably lower. Scotland's major cities offered substantial options, with Glasgow providing 169 cosy pubs and Edinburgh 139. In the South West, Dorset (169) just pipped Devon (161), though both trailed behind Cornwall.
Sam Millard, Head of Innovation at Beavertown Brewery, commented on the findings: "Winter is when pubs become rituals. It's hard to resist the glow coming from a window filled with condensation, and the UK pub scene is arguably one of the best places in the world to throw your coat down onto a bench and keep warm with friends."
For those planning a winter escape, the data provides a clear guide: for the ultimate in festive warmth and atmosphere, Staffordshire's 230 welcoming pubs are now officially the place to be.
