Discover the most Instagrammable pubs with Chef & Brewer
A pub may be a great place to sip on a frosty pint or a velvety red wine, but there's nothing better than finding an instagrammable pub spot where you can also drink in the picturesque surroundings. We're talking about the kind of pubs and bars that make you want to grab your phone and snap away for your Instagram grid, from quirky places with quaint corners to unique décor, thriving gardens, and even jaw-dropping views from the table.
At Chef & Brewer, plenty of our countryside pubs are nestled within some of the most scenic settings the Great British countryside has to offer, including golden stretches of coastlines, rolling hills of green, and quaint chocolate box villages. And from dinner with a loved one to cocktails with mates, or a catch-up with the family, these pubs are always camera-ready.
Why Chef & Brewer pubs are made for Instagram worthy moments
The buzz of the city may be thrilling, but there's also nothing like the peaceful charm of the countryside. Our pubs and bars are dotted across some of the UK's most beautiful spots, serving up delicious pub dining, flowing drinks, and unspoilt views at every turn
If you're looking for fun places for a selfie, we've got striking venues with blossoming beer gardens or even quaint terraces for dining. Our historical inns are brimming with vintage character too, from parquet flooring to exposed ceiling beams, roaring Victorian fires, and decorative tiling.
Our pub food menus serve up British classics, as well as seasonal staples, and decadent desserts of pure indulgence. Our dishes are crafted with care by our chefs and are sure to make your Instagram followers double-tap.
Whatever your tipple of choice, our bars are ready to pour. Sip on a glass of something special from our drinks menu, from frosty beers to cocktails, and everything in between.
Start your day right with a hearty breakfast that's both a feast for the eyes and your plate. We're talking generous Full Breakfasts, perfectly cooked eggs, pancake stacks or even fluffy brioche. Warm up and wake up with a hot drink in hand, whether you're craving milky lattes, frothy cappuccinos or a rich espresso. We've also got a range of teas, as well as hot chocolates.
Take a pause for a spot of lunch, whether it's a quick bite to refuel or a chance to take the weight off your feet after a busy morning. We offer plenty of deals to help your budget go further, but money-saving never means half measures. It's always great quality that feels like a true treat.
Want to discover a walk that's worthy of the Instagram grid? We've even partnered with AllTrails to help you discover a countryside stroll with a Chef & Brewer pub nearby. A pairing that's perfect for a post.
If you're enjoying your visit, why not stay a little longer in our cosy pub hotels? Many of our plush rooms come with stunning views from the bedroom window, and you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a tasty breakfast served up from our pub restaurant.
Our top Chef & Brewer pubs for Instagram
Enjoy a glass of wine with a coastal view
Nestled on the southern bank of the Severn Estuary in the Somerset town of Portishead, the 17th-century Royal Inn is a pub made for Instagram stories. Snap up the perfect picture from the outdoor beer gardens and terrace, with a backdrop of the two Severn bridges and even the Welsh Black Mountains on clearer days.
The pub's interiors are bursting with quirky charm, from the feline-themed artwork to the bold pops of colour and the cosy fireplace. Summer evenings can be spent at the outdoor bar, serving a tasty selection of cocktails, as well as wines, beers, ciders, and even champagne. The pub’s hotel has ten bedrooms for overnight stays, all named after Bristol Channel landmarks, with some offering waterside views.
The food menu is packed with indulgent flavours, from the 8-hour slow-cooked lamb shank Shepherd’s Pie to the Grilled Sea Bass & King Prawn Risotto and the 28-Day-Aged Prime Sirloin Steak.
Our top Instagram tip: On a summer’s evening, the outdoor terrace and beer garden are the place to be. There’s an outdoor fireplace to keep you cosy after the sun sets, as well as fairy lights that adorn the space to create the most enchanting ambience. The pebble beach is a short walk away, so finish your meal and head down to skim stones or feel the waves at your feet.
A historical pub with outside bars and room to stay
The Wheatsheaf pub and bar is an 18th-century former coaching inn situated on the banks of Virginia Water Lake in Surrey.
With a history spanning the centuries, the pub is one of the most Instagrammable places and offers rich glimpses of the past at every turn, from the exposed brick walls to the cosy crackle of the fireplace and the exposed ceiling beams. You can also extend your stay and spend the night in one of the pub hotel's 18 bedrooms.
Soak up the sunshine with the pub’s outdoor bar and pergola, with cosy lighting and heaters. It’s dog-friendly too, so your furry friends can enjoy a slice of the action.
Enjoy a glass of something special from the bar and tuck into a tasty dish from the menu, whether you’re craving a grazing board to share with friends or a hearty main that’s just for you. If you fancy a post-pub stroll, be sure to stretch your legs with a brisk walk around Virginia Water Lake, or explore the nearby Windsor Great Park, which is a royal landscape steeped in over a thousand years of history.
Our top Instagram tip: Stop by on Sunday for a roast with all the trimmings. The Whipped Goat's Cheese is a real crowd-pleaser, while the 7-hour Slow-Cooked Rib of Beef falls off the bone, and the Woodland Mushroom Bourguignon Wellington is a vegan pick that's no meat but full flavour.
A hidden gem of a riverside retreat
The Riverside Inn can be found on the banks of the River Severn in the quaint Shrewsbury village of Cound. If your Instagram is in need of hearty plates of delicious food in a waterside setting , you won’t be disappointed.
The beer garden offers unspoilt views of the River Severn, providing a calming escape that’s aesthetically pleasing for your camera roll. The pub dates back to 1861, when it served the village as a train station, and the Grade II listed building has certainly retained a historical appeal with exposed ceiling beams, wood panelled walls, and a crackling fireplace for those cosy winter nights.
Yet the interiors are far from dated, with quirky artwork adorning the brightly painted walls. Whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’ll be a mouthwatering meal from the pub menu that’s ready for a close-up.
Our top Instagram tip: While the waterside views from the beer garden are hard to beat, Cound is the perfect village to explore with a country walk. It may be small, with a population of less than 500, but it's home to leafy landscapes and chocolate-box homes, as well as an impressive 68 listed buildings.
Watch the world go by in the flourishing garden of this historic pub
The Grapes is a classic countryside pub that sits on the outskirts of Preston in the Lancashire village of Wrea Green. Just 17 minutes from Blackpool, you can enjoy a day on the beach with the thrills of the amusement park before escaping for a little peace and quiet.
The 19th-century pub is a stone's throw from the Wrea Green village green and duck pond, as well as plenty of country lanes and lush green spaces to explore. The pub's interiors are the perfect blend of old and new, pairing exposed brick walls and dark wood beams with colourful upholstered seating and decorative wallpaper.
The crackling fireplace is ideal for frosty winter nights, while the spacious beer garden comes into its own on sunny days, with plenty of seating and parasols. It's also in full bloom, with botanical beauty from the potted plants on the table to the hanging baskets and planters.
The menu has plenty on offer, including stacked burgers that look good from any angle, as well as classic desserts, like Bramley Apple Tart and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Our top Instagram tip: If you're bringing your dog, make sure you get them to pose by the pub's doggy pit stop, complete with water bowls, treats, and fluffy paw print blankets.
How to snap the perfect Instagram snap
Focus on the details
With Instagram flooded with images, sometimes it’s the little things that can really make a post picture-perfect. Try to find those quirky corners, interesting angles, or things that give a space true character. It could be a unique piece of art, an original piece of décor that feels like a love letter to the past, or just a sweet interaction between people as they tuck into a meal or raise a glass.
Lighting is key
It sounds obvious, but good lighting is the difference between a clear image that pops and a blurry shot that seems amateur. Golden hour is the perfect time to pull out your camera, with the warming glow making everyone look incredible. Shadows can add depth to a photo, and we also love the magical illumination of outdoor lights once the sun sets.
No one eats until your phone has finished
It might be a controversial take, but if you love capturing the beauty of a perfectly plated dish before the first bite, make sure everyone at the table is on the same page. It shouldn’t take long, either. You don’t need the setting to feel overly staged. Just embrace a sense of organised chaos with drinks, cutlery and eager hands adding to the scene.
If at first you don't succeed, try again!
Snapping a photo shouldn’t feel like a chore, and no one wants their food going cold in the quest for the perfect shot. But for the sake of your Instagram, take a few moments to capture it properly. Try a burst of photos and chances are, you’ll end up with at least one that’s truly grid-ready.
Discover Instagrammable pubs near you with Chef & Brewer
If you're after some Instagrammable places, a Chef & Brewer pub could be a perfect spot. In our charming array of country pubs, you can discover quirky bars filled with cheers, striking décor, vintage details that celebrate a bygone time, and beer gardens filled with fresh blooms. Whether you're after a spot near the city or a hidden gem buried deep in the countryside, put your postcode or location into our handy pub finder tool, and see what's on offer. You can swing by and enjoy drinks and dining.
Happy Instagramming!