A pint at the pub WITH your horse — could there be a more winning combination?
Horses can mean compromise (missing friends' birthday parties, saying no to holidays to save the pennies...) But just when you think you might have to wave goodbye to a social life altogether, along come these horse-friendly pubs...
The Cricketers (pictured, above)
Where? Surrey
What to expect: with a dedicated area to tie up horses outside and water and hay on hand so that your mount can fuel up, The Cricketers provides a picture-perfect pit-stop for thirsty riders. And with the outdoor seating adjacent to the tethering area, riders can bask in the sun enjoying lunch — while keeping one eye on their horse.
Find out more: www.cricketerscobham.com
The Six Bells
Where? Suffolk
What to expect: this boutique pub and dining room is in the heart of the Suffolk countryside and features a fully equipped outdoor space, with special tethering rings and water to refresh the horses. And while your horse takes a breather, you can tuck into your own refreshments — from house-cured salmon to a hearty Angus beef burger.
Find out more: www.thesixbellspreston.com
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The Feathers Inn
Where? Northumberland
What to expect: the stone-built Feathers Inn’s tie up point for horses means that you can make the most of chef Rhian Cradock’s menu, which focuses on Northumbrian produce. And while you’re there, take a moment to soak up the far-reaching views, across Northumberland, Cumbria, Tyne & Wear and County Durham’s dales beyond.
Find out more: thefeathers.net
Farmers Arms
Where? Powys
What to expect: set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Chris and Lyndsey will give you — and your horse — a warm welcome, with two tie up points on either side of the car park, water available and a designated area for riders to put tack and hats.
Find out more: www.the-farmers-arms.com
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The New Inn
Where? Gloucestershire
What to expect: The New Inn calls itself “a child, dog and horse friendly pub”, which means that while you cool yourself off with a cider (the pub is a two-times winner of the Gloucestershire cider pub of the year award), your steed can have a drink from the trough at the top of the garden. And if you overindulge in The New Inn’s tempting menu (think fish pie or a ploughman’s), there’s a mounting block to help you on your way.
Find out more: thenewinnwaterleybottom.co.uk
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A graduate from Durham University, Madeleine joined H&H in 2011 and became Features Editor — producing content across the magazine and website, including the popular inside back cover article ‘The horse that made me’ and the weekly ‘The best of my fun…’ interview. She has written on topics as diverse as hay making and headcams, to hot totty in the horse world and circus horses. Madeleine now works as a freelance feature writer for Country Life, The Telegraph, Horse & Hound, cntraveller.com, The Spectator and The Field, as well as writing obituaries for The Times.