Chef & Brewer investigates: Britain’s most haunted pubs
Can you feel the chill on the breeze? That palpable sense of eeriness as we edge closer and closer to Halloween each day. Carved pumpkins adorn doorsteps, black cats roam the streets, and we all start craving something a little sweet.
But what to do once you’ve finished a fruitful round of trick-or-treating? Pub? No, we can do one better – a haunted pub! And luckily, we know of a few pubs where ghostly goings on are only to be expected.
Ah yes, there are plenty of spirits behind the bar in these pubs, in more ways than one!
Over half 52% of Brits say they'd be more likely to visit a pub if it had a haunted backstory, and over a quarter 27% admit a spooky local legend would inspire them to check it out. So, come with us as we don our paranormal investigator hats and go hunting for ethereal entities in some of our most haunted Chef & Brewer pubs.
Mad, bad and dangerously good pints - the Hutt, Ravenshead
Spook rating – 👻👻👻
The Hutt in Ravenshead is a unique pub with an intriguing connection to Newstead Abbey via a network of underground tunnels. Not only is this fascinating pub one of the oldest buildings in Ravenshead, but it’s notorious for being a nexus for supernatural happenings.
Buckle up, because this tale isn’t for the faint of heart. The story goes that the abbey’s monks would often use the underground tunnels to get to the Hutt during the late 17th century, until one unfortunate brother was chained to a wall and left to perish. To this day, his ghostly form is said to wander the dark, mysterious tunnels, probably still in search of that pint he was after.
These days, the Hutt is well loved for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, despite the odd ghost knocking about. Plus, with a menu of delicious pub classics and seasonal specials on offer, a little bit of paranormal activity isn’t a big deal. Just watch out for those moving pint glasses.
The Boot & Slipper, Amersham
Spook rating – 👻👻👻
Hold on to your hats (and boots…and slippers), because this one is truly spine-chilling. The Boot & Slipper in Amersham, self-described as one of the most haunted pubs in the country, has a rich and admittedly rather chilling past.
The historic market town of Amersham is full of character and steeped in dark history. During the 16th century, a group of locals, six men and one woman, were burned at the stake for their Protestant beliefs. Perhaps this tragic episode in the town’s past contributes to the uneasy feeling experienced at the Boot & Slipper by both guests and team members.
And whatever you do, don’t go down to the cellar! Multiple staff members have felt an otherworldly presence there, and some even have felt the uncanny sensation of an invisible figure brushing past them. That’s enough to make anyone shriek! But don’t worry; we know what’ll make it better. Take a seat by the fire and treat yourself to a tipple. If nothing else, it’ll give you some liquid courage for another round of ghost hunting.
Cask ale and Cavaliers - the Ring O’Bells, Daresbury
Spook rating - 👻👻👻👻
The Ring O'Bells may not be a profoundly ancient pub, having been constructed in the early 19th century, but the village of Daresbury itself has a rich, storied history spanning over 800 years.
Famous for being the birthplace of Lewis Carroll, Daresbury is a relatively peaceful village with a tight-knit community. However, during the brutal English Civil War, Daresbury, due to its proximity to the Royalist strongholds of Chester and Warrington, served as a significant hub for Cavaliers, providing them with food and shelter. Perhaps that’s why numerous guests at the Ring O’Bells have reported sightings of a shadowy figure dressed in a Cavalier uniform, complete with a plumed hat. Ghost, or English Civil War reenactor looking for a pint – you be the judge.
Let’s fast forward a few hundred years. Another prominent figure often spotted at the Ring O’Bells is a gentleman in 1930s attire. But that’s not all! If you’re feeling extra brave, you could take a seat in the Haunted Sitting Room (and it bears that name for a good reason). Known for its sudden temperature drops, this room is rumoured to be a hotbed of paranormal activity. After all, this pub was once the village courthouse, so who knows what dark and dramatic events its walls have silently witnessed over the years?
No wonder the Ring O’Bells is so popular with ghost hunters! And the hearty, traditional pub grub is pretty spook-tacular too.
A room with a boo – the Dog & Partridge, Tutbury
Spook rating – 👻👻👻👻👻
The oldest inn in Tutbury, the Dog & Partridge, sits in the shadow of Tutbury Castle, a Norman fortress where numerous historically significant events have occurred. In fact, Tutbury itself is widely considered to be one of the most haunted villages in Staffordshire. Although the castle is famous for many reasons, it earned notoriety as the site of Mary Queen of Scots’ imprisonment, where she spent long periods of her tumultuous life. During this period, the nearby Dog & Partridge would have functioned as a coaching inn. These days, it’s a charming village pub where both staff and regulars have reported strange happenings, such as a mysterious old man in a trilby cap and tweed jacket (and no, he’s not one of the regulars).
In addition to being a charming country pub, the Dog & Partridge is a hotel, where you can get a good night’s sleep, but be warned: things have been known to go bump in the night. Some guests claim to have seen an elderly woman sitting at the bottom of their beds, whereas others have witnessed ghostly figures walking through walls. Well, with facilities like free Wi-Fi and the promise of a delicious pub breakfast each morning, who can blame them for sticking around?
We paid the Dog & Partridge a visit, so we could meet General Manager, Mark Fearn, who has been this historic pub’s loyal overseer for four years.
“I have had a couple of guests saying they’ve woken up in the middle of the night and there’s been a figure standing at the end of the bed,” says Mark. “I’m very sceptical of that, but people have described a grey lady.”
Believe it or not, Mark is a self-confessed sceptic, but he’s happy to be proven wrong! We asked if he wants to see a ghost (particularly with Halloween coming up)…
“Yes, mainly to put my mind at rest. To say, ‘I believe it’ or ‘I don’t believe it’. I’d like to witness something.”
Be careful what you wish for, Mark!
Visit out haunted pubs
Whether you’re a firm believer in the paranormal, or a steadfast sceptic, our haunted pubs are perfect for this time of year. Whether it’s the spooky stories or the cosy ambience, there’s nothing quite like a country pub with a compelling backstory to get in the mood for some Halloween shenanigans. Just be sure to stick around for some scarily tasty pub food while you’re at it. Happy hauntings!