How to plan the perfect cosy weekend with Chef & Brewer
Weekends are a time to unwind, reconnect, and recharge after a busy week. At Chef & Brewer, we believe there's no better place to do just that than one of our cosy pubs. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, our locations offer the perfect escape.
Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, our delicious menu and well-stocked bars make every visit special. So, whatever your weekend has in store, a warm welcome is always waiting at Chef & Brewer.
Why Chef & Brewer?
Our welcoming collection of cosy countryside pubs offers the perfect retreat, all-year-long. Visit us on a sunny summer’s day and unwind in one of our spacious beer gardens, where you can breathe in the fresh country air and relax to the soothing sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves.
Spring brings fresh blossoms and lighter evenings, while autumn means crunchy leaves underfoot and hearty meals to make you feel cosy. Not to mention winter, when our inns feel enchanting with roaring fires and twinkly lights.
Our generous menu is also filled with delicious dishes to delight, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy classic comfort on a plate, from juicy burgers to filling pies and Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.
And you don’t need alcohol to enjoy it all. Our well-stocked bars include a wide selection of low and no alcohol options, so everyone can toast to a great time.
Rooms at the ready
We like to think of our cosy pubs as the perfect home away from home, and if you feel like extending your stay, why not spend the night? Many of our Chef & Brewer pubs have hotel rooms, so you can savour, sip and sleep.
Each of our hotels has a unique charm and celebrates the beauty of the local countryside, from picturesque locations adorned with stylish touches to listed properties steeped in history.
Whether you're travelling solo, enjoying a romantic night for two, or escaping with the whole family, you can find a variety of room sizes to suit every stay. Fall asleep in comfort and wake up refreshed for the day ahead.
A walk within nature
One of the best ways to explore the countryside is on foot. Feel the crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, breathe in the indulgent scent of the surrounding wildflowers and tackle grassy fields, country lanes and steep hills.
A countryside stomp can be the perfect way to work up an appetite or stretch your legs after a hearty meal. That’s why we have teamed up with AllTrails
Whatever your location, there's a walk waiting to be discovered nearby. From leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, you'll find plenty to pick from, including routes that are dog-friendly, child-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Sunday roasts at the ready
How to plan a cosy weekend
Need to get away? From romantic trips to family outings, these tips can help you enjoy a calming pause without too much planning.
Choose the perfect setting
Whether you're in the mood for a slice of countryside calm or prefer the charm of a coastal setting, pick a destination that matches the pace and setting you're after. Revisit a familiar favourite or be daring and explore somewhere totally new.
Map out a loose schedule
We like to think the ideal way to plan a weekend is to be organised yet flexible. Map out a few things you want to see and do but be open to the stunning scenery taking you on an unexpected adventure. Maybe you discover a new path on your walk or stumble upon a weekend market with handmade trinkets. Or perhaps you want to cancel plans entirely to spend the day tucked away in a cosy corner of a Chef & Brewer pub. Weekends are made for unwinding.
Discover local flavour
Whether it’s a beloved local dish or a taste of a homegrown delicacy, immerse yourself in the local flavours and savour the very best the area has to offer. Weekend markets offer a wonderful opportunity to discover something new, while Chef & Brewer pubs provide a generous menu featuring seasonal dishes and a wide range of drink options.
Try to switch off and recharge
Screens may be essential for our everyday lives, but weekends offer a chance to switch off. Soak up the world around you and reconnect with loved ones. Maybe make a rule to go phone-free while you’re away? Remember, the work emails and social media notifications can wait until Monday! If you do need to log on for an emergency, there’s always free Wi-Fi at a Chef & Brewer pub.
Where to discover next
With a generous choice of pubs, there’s plenty of Chef & Brewer magic to explore. Here are a few of our firm favourites…
The Riverside Inn, Shrewsbury
The Rosewood Revived, Witney
If you're near the West Oxfordshire market town of Witney, stop by the Rose Revived for a bite to eat or a place to sleep. It's a striking building that's been crafted in 16th-century pale Cotswold Stone, and the beer garden offers unspoilt views of the River Thames and the countryside. There's parking on-site, and Oxford train station is just 11 miles away.
Two Brewers, Chipperfield
If you’re after a slice of countryside calm with the buzz of a city close by, this pub sits less than 30 miles from London. The Two Brewers was built in the 18th century and still has the vintage charm of stone flooring and roaring fireplaces. The beer garden provides views of Chipperfield Common, and there's also plenty of footpaths and bridleways offering views across the rural landscape.
Enjoy the sound of the waves at this beloved Somerset spot, offering sea views and the sandy beach on its doorstep. The historic Royal Inn pub dates back to the 17th century and also has hotel rooms if you need an overnight option. The second largest town in North Somerset, Portishead has so much to offer, including open-air swimming pools, the pretty parkland of Lake Grounds, and a great choice of independent boutiques.
Steeped in history, this The Hutt dates back to the 15th century and is rumoured to have once housed a secret tunnel used by monks from nearby Newstead Abbey, which is the former home of Lord Byron. The pub has an impressive red bricked facade, while the interiors include exposed wood beams and exposed brick walls. Sherwood Forest is a short drive away, a stunning patch of woodland that has long been linked to the legend of Robin Hood. Plus, you can also visit Hardwick Hall, which is part of the National Trust estate.
Find a Chef & Brewer near you
Planning a weekend escape? Pick a Chef & Brewer pub for a tranquil break. Finding your nearest spot is simple with our handy pub finder. Just enter your location or postcode to discover a pub close to you. With a generous menu and a fully stocked bar, we always guarantee a warm welcome and a hearty dining experience for the whole family. Our Sunday roasts are also pretty special, with big portions and full-on flavour. Just another reason to make Chef & Brewer part of your weekend plans.