With Christmas fast approaching, there’s no better time to escape the winter chill and retreat to a welcoming pub for festive cheer with loved ones.
Nothing compares to settling into a snug corner beside the Christmas tree, basking in the glow of a crackling fire, and enjoying a well-earned pint. But where are the best boozers to indulge in a festive tipple?
Eat Drink Meet, a website and app that helps users discover nearby pubs, bars, and restaurants, has unveiled its list of the cosiest pubs across the UK this festive season. https://www.eatdrinkmeet.co.uk
Carefully selected from thousands of venues by Eat Drink Meet’s expert curators, these top pubs go the extra mile to deliver an unforgettable festive experience at Christmas time.
1. The Coal Hole, London
Nestled in the heart of London’s city centre, the Coal Hole is a historic pub brimming with yuletide charm and a fascinating past.
Situated in the iconic Savoy Court on the Strand, this Grade II listed pub has been spreading seasonal cheer since 1903. It was designed by the renowned architect T. E. Collcutt and exudes historical charm.
Throughout the years, the Coal Hole on the Strand has welcomed famous faces, including Victorian musical composers Gilbert and Sullivan. With its rich history and prime location near the historic Savoy Hotel, the Coal Hole offers a magical authentic British dining and drinking experience perfect for the holiday season.
This year’s Christmas menu at the pub offers traditional favourites including hand-carved turkey with all the trimmings and a festive nut roast – plus, more unique options including a pan-roasted salmon fillet and dark chocolate truffle torte to finish. https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/thecoalholestrandlondon
2. The Sandpiper, Ormskirk
Found in the picturesque winter wonderland town of Bickerstaffe, The Sandpiper is a charming country pub that can offer magical views over the snow-dusted countryside.
This pub offers guests a delightful dining experience in a beautifully converted farmhouse setting. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere glowing with festive cheer, this enchanting pub seamlessly combines cherished Christmas traditions with the cosy seasonal comforts you know and love.
Indulge in a festive menu brimming with delicious delights, including an apple and mince pie crumble or a traditional cheese board, perfectly complemented by a well-stocked bar including cask ales, fine wines, and a selection of British gin. The Sandpiper is the perfect destination for celebrating the magic of the festive season, where every visit feels like you’re returning home for the celebrations. https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/north-west/thesandpiperbickerstaffe#/
3. The Black Bull, Liverpool
Just a short sleigh ride from Liverpool City Centre, The Black Bull is commended as a perfect winter pub for festive celebrations and heartwarming gatherings. After a bustling day of Christmas shopping in the city, there's nowhere better to rest your weary feet and soak up the seasonal cheer.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party, meeting up with friends by the fireside, or treating your nearest and dearest to a sumptuous festive feast, The Black Bull has something to make everyone's Christmas extra special this year. The pub is also dog-friendly too, so even your four-legged friends can join in the yuletide joy.
With specially crafted festive menus for Christmas Day dinner, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve including interesting twists on Christmas classics such as a camembert and bacon stack burger and turkey and pancetta pie, the celebrations don't have to end when the big day is over. Guests can still toast to good times, great food, and unforgettable memories. https://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/northwest/the-black-bull-liverpool#/
4. The Glover Arms, Huntingtower Park
Discover the charm of The Glover Arms in Perth, a delightful country pub where cherished traditions meet the warmth of the festive season. Only a stone’s throw from the historic Huntingtower Castle, the pub offers guests an unforgettable winter dining experience, donned with Christmas trees and carefully chosen decorations.
Here, you can indulge in a range of hearty pub favourites and comforting country pub classics from The Glover Arms carefully crafted festive menus, including the Christmas and Boxing Day menus. Plus, the pub is hosting ‘breakfast with Santa’ experiences – the perfect way for the little ones to enjoy Christmas cheer.
It’s time to cosy up beside the crackling log fires with loved ones and indulge in a drink or two from the well-stocked bar. Visit The Glover Arms this Christmas season and immerse yourself in the warmth of the festive spirit at this charming country pub.
5. The Travellers Rest, Caerphilly
Nestled in the enchanting small town of Thornhill, The Travellers Rest is a historic country pub that has been spreading warmth, cheer and Christmas magic since the 1800s.
Throughout its storied history, this beloved pub has been the heart of the community, even keeping the festive spirit alive during the Second World War under the steadfast management of Mr George Lightfoot.
This Christmas, step into a festive wonderland and indulge in the pub’s seasonal menus brimming with chef classics and festive twists that capture the true taste of the season, including hand-carved turkey breast, root vegetable wellington and sticky toffee Christmas pudding.
Whether you're gathering with loved ones for a memorable Christmas feast, unwinding with a pint by the crackling hearth after a ramble around the Caerphilly mountain, or simply soaking up the cosy hospitality, The Traveller's Rest is your perfect winter retreat.
This pub also earned points for being really dog-friendly, so punters can enjoy the festive atmosphere with their four-legged friends by their side. https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/wales/thetravellersrestcaerphilly#/
6. The Old Cottage, Cardiff
The Old Cottage is a dog-friendly country pub based in the charming area of Lisvane, in South Glamorgan.
With its beautiful, cosy winter views of the Welsh countryside, it’s the perfect place to indulge with loved ones this festive period. The Old Cottage invites guests to experience its luxurious country pub charm this Christmas, where crackling fires give respite from the winter chill and decorations adorn every corner.
Whether you're planning an intimate family dinner or a joyous large group celebration, The Old Cottage will make your Christmas gatherings truly magical and memorable. https://www.oldcottagecardiff.co.uk
7. The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh
Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and not far from the world-famous Arthur’s Seat, Duddingston Loch and Edinburgh Castle, The Sheep Heid Inn is a Christmas card come to life.
As one of Edinburgh's oldest and most beloved pubs, it has welcomed everyone from monarchs to poets over the centuries. Nowadays, the pub extends its cosy embrace to all this festive season, even four-legged guests.
Enjoy an extensive range of real ales, lagers, and wines, and tuck into delicious Christmas inspired dishes including port and cheddar mushrooms, pan roasted salmon and festive crème brûlée.
The Sheep Heid is perfect for creating Christmas memories with family and this festive season, where history, hospitality and Christmas sparkle come together. https://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/#/
8. Bacchus Bar, Birmingham
Looking for somewhere unusual to celebrate Christmas this year? Then look no further than Bacchus Bar in the heart of Birmingham, ranked one of the best by Eat Drink Meet and hidden beneath the city’s iconic Christmas markets.
Dubbed ‘Harry Potter-style’, the bar is one of Birmingham’s oldest pubs with an eclectic mix of themed rooms, which makes it a magical setting for all your festive celebrations this winter. Located beneath the Burlington Arcade on one of the city’s oldest streets, the Bacchus Bar offers guests an extraordinary Christmas experience. Step inside and be transported to a winter wonderland of enchantment as you explore the pub’s rooms, each with its own captivating character and adorned with seasonal touches.
From stunning Greek and Roman mosaics to atmospheric medieval archways, and impressive suits of armour, the pub’s remarkable underground interiors will make it a festive experience you and your guests won’t forget.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate with colleagues, host an unforgettable Christmas dinner with family, or just enjoy a mulled wine in a pub unlike any other in the city, Bacchus Bar provides a captivating choice this Christmas. https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/eastandwestmidlands/bacchusbarbirmingham?
9. The White Lion, Allesley
Nestled in the enchanting countryside setting of Allesley, The White Lion has been welcoming guests with warmth and heartfelt hospitality since 1835.
Originally a family home and village shop, this charming pub now offers guests a cosy, country haven perfect for festivities. Whether you're exchanging gifts with friends beside the crackling fireplace, enjoying a leisurely Christmas meal without the washing up afterwards, or simply seeking refuge from the winter chill, The White Lion wraps you in comfort and Christmas cheer.
Step inside and you'll find exposed timber beams adorned with Christmas decorations, their timeworn character providing a magical backdrop to your festive celebrations.
The White Lion sits in the heart of a picturesque conservation area surrounded by a network of scenic rural footpaths, making it perfect for a brisk winter walk to work up an appetite before settling in by the fire. The White Lion is a hidden gem worth discovering when you need a break from your busy Christmas shopping. https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/midlands/thewhitelionallesley
10. Old Bull and Bush Hampstead
The Old Bull & Bush is a stylish, dog-friendly pub nestled in the heart of North London, where Christmas cheer meets idyllic views of North Hampstead's winter wonderland.
The pub also offers a number of festive menus with a range of Christmas classics and seasonal twists such as chicken, leek and Davidstow cheddar pie, 12oz pork tomahawk and Christmas pudding. All of which can be washed down with a carefully curated selection of warming tipples, from real ales and crisp lagers to fine wines and winter cocktails.
It's the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of Christmas shopping or after a winter walk on Hampstead Heath, all wrapped up in the cosy atmosphere of the pub’s stylish, fire-warmed interiors. https://www.thebullandbush.co.uk
Whether you’re looking to warm up by the fire after exploring the winter countryside, or for a delicious yuletide meal with loved ones, these cosy Christmas pubs offer the perfect setting for a festive season you’ll remember for years to come.
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