Go Slow regionals
10/1/08
15:36
Page 217
Pubs & inns The Talbot
The Lough Pool Inn
The Pandy Inn
Knightwick, Worcestershire
Sellack, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
Dorstone, Herefordshire
It’s run by two chef-owner sisters dedicated to self-sufficiency. Hops are grown right here and produce comes from the farmers’ market they host on the second Sunday of every month. 01886 821235 www.the-talbot.co.uk
A cosy fire, a glowing bar, head-ducking beams and a refreshingly unshowy dining room - solid tables, comfortable chairs in which to enjoy daily-changing dishes. A relaxed and civilised place to be. 01989 730236 www.loughpoolinn.co.uk
Inside are heavy beams, well-worn flags, much smoke-stained stone, a vast oak lintel over the old fire grate and an intimate dining room beyond the red velvet curtain. Great garden for kids. 01981 550273 www.pandyinn.co.uk
Carpenter’s Arms
The Wellington
Crown Country Inn
Walterstone, Herefordshire
Wellington, Hereford, Herefordshire
Munslow, Craven Arms, Shropshire
A marvellous chapel-side pub in the middle of nowhere, with great views to Hay Bluff. Vera has been serving up good home cooking and Breconshire Golden Valley from the corner hatch for twenty years. 01873 890353
Banquettes around the fire and a chef who’s a stickler for seasonality. Visiting celebrities like Franco Taruschio have left their mark. Be sure to book if you want to eat. 01432 830367 www.wellingtonpub.co.uk
Locals gather for a chat and a pint of Cleric’s Cure at dark polished tables in a winter-cosy, log-stoved bar. Chef Richard is passionate about local produce. 01584 841205 www.crowncountryinn.co.uk
Fighting Cocks
All Nations
Pheasant Inn
High Street, Stottesdon, Shropshire
Coalport Road, Madeley, Shropshire
Linley Brook, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
On the lane to get here, you pass the farm that supplies the excellent meat. Sandra Jeffries wears multiple hats: jolly landlady, enthusiastic chef, manager of the great little shop next door. Unpretentious, genuine. 01746 718270
Old photographs of Ironbridge strew the walls, secondhand paperbacks ask to be taken home (charity donations accepted) and dogs doze. It’s a friendly ex-miners’ ale house: catch it before it’s gone. 01952 585747
Simon and Liz Reed run this singlehandedly yet always find time to chat. There’s no piped music and everything shines. Walkers and locals love it for a quiet pint and good food. 01746 762260 www.the-pheasant-inn.co.uk 217