Get cosy with winter pubs: how to make the most of darker evenings
Winter is here. The world awakens every morning to frost-covered rooftops and sparkling windowpanes, and then night falls. There’s a stillness in the air, broken only by the sound of snow crunching underfoot and the smell of something delicious wafting from a nearby country pub.
The long, winter evenings can be difficult for some, especially if you’re more of a summer person. But all is not lost — here are our top tips so you can learn to love the colder months of the year.
Turn up the cosiness
We all feel the need to get cosy during winter. Once the temperature drops, craving hot drinks, soft lighting and cosy blankets is all part of the natural cycle. And guess what? It's backed by science! Making your surroundings cosy during winter encourages a sense of contentment and well-being.
The Danish even have a word for it: "hygge", used to describe a familiar sense of contentment and cosiness. If there was ever an excellent excuse to get the fire going, there you have it! Or better yet, head to your local Chef & Brewer because we've already taken care of that.
Fresh air and evening walks
Fresh air and evening walks
We get it — when temperatures plummet, staying indoors and snuggling up under a fluffy blanket with a mug of hot cocoa seems like the right thing to do. However, a little bit of fresh air could do you the world of good! Wrapping up warm and taking to the great outdoors for a brisk winter walk can do wonders for both your physical and mental health.
And why limit yourself to daytime walks? There’s something magical about a winter sunset, so why not find a safe and suitable trail and take the scenic route to a country pub? That way, you can warm up by the fire and rest your weary feet.
Head to a winter pub
Head to a winter pub
Or, skip the walk entirely and head straight to the pub, where the pints are flowing and the seasonal specials smell absolutely divine! There’s nowhere quite like a lovely winter pub when the weather is chilly. Crackling fireplaces, flickering candles, cosy corners and hearty roasts served hot and fresh alongside perfectly paired glasses of wine and cask ale — heavenly!
Better still, many of our winter pubs are also hotels with beautifully decorated guestrooms and excellent facilities. Perfect for a midwinter staycation when you need a little change of scenery and just a touch of luxury.
Take up a new hobby
Winter’s dark days and long nights can leave you feeling gloomy; however, discovering a new hobby to keep yourself preoccupied can make all difference. You could even pick a new pastime that celebrates the season, such as wreath-making, or knitting — that way, you don’t need to fork out for a new scarf.
Don’t be afraid to take to the outdoors either! Why not don that big winter coat and try your hand at amateur wildlife photography or Geocaching. Just be sure to fuel up with hearty pub breakfast before you brave the cold!
Fill up on comfort food
Speaking of fuelling up, cold weather only means one thing as far as we’re concerned: delicious comfort food that fills you up and chases away the winter chills. And wouldn’t you know it, this is backed by science, too! During the colder months, enjoying rich food and plenty of carbohydrates can give you a much-needed energy boost, while getting plenty of fresh fruit and veg helps to support your immune system and stave off those nasty winter colds.
Whether you’re craving some seasonal specials that celebrate the vibrant flavours of winter or some traditional pub classics that never go out of style, our menu has you covered. With plenty of hearty treats on offer to see you through to springtime, our winter pubs are perfect for a little seasonal comfort when you need it.
Quality time with quality people
The winter months were made for social gatherings, particularly around the festive season. Indeed, Christmas can feel like a shining star in the depths of the midwinter gloom. There really is nothing quite as heartwarming as having all your loved ones gathered together at a cosy Christmas pub, all clinking glasses and sharing festive food.
For centuries, Yule has been a time of shared joy, community spirit and cherished family traditions. Better yet, booking a table for Christmas Day at a cosy country pub means you can enjoy a hassle-free day — no prep, no cooking, and certainly no washing up.
Indulge in self-care
Self-care is always important, but prioritising your well-being during winter is essential. Due to the lack of sunlight thanks to the long, winter nights, many of us suffer from low mood and low energy levels during the colder months of the year. Along with seeking help from a professional, if necessary, small acts of self-care can be tremendously beneficial.
So, what does self-care look like to you? Perhaps it’s nourishing your body with hearty comfort food. Maybe it’s making time for hobbies and relaxation. It may even be regular gatherings with your favourite people, because nobody should have to tackle winter alone.
Get cosy with our winter pubs
Whether you're spending the darker evenings getting out into nature (whatever the weather) or you're staying indoors, releasing your inner bear and taking lots of nice, long naps, our lovely winter pubs are here to help you stay cosy. Join us for a festive feast, or warm up after a long, chilly walk — whatever you have planned, there's always a roaring fire waiting for you at Chef & Brewer.