Hike In, Eat Local, Stay Longer: The UK Pubs Worth Going Out Of Your Way For

The Great British pub is a cultural institution for good reason, and we all have our favourites. But some offer something a little more special than the good old local. The pub you can only reach by hiking. The one that serves almost only strictly British-grown produce. The 19th-century fisherman's haunt set directly on the sand on the south coast. So here is the Grounded-approved UK gastropub guide, spotlighting the standout stars that have just a little something else about them. And if you have a suggestion for our ever-growing list, we're all ears.

The Bushmills Inn, Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

A 17th-century coaching inn steeped in Irish history, nestled on the stunning Causeway Coast. Expect locally sourced ingredients and seasonal recipes crafted by Executive Chef Gordon McGladdery and Head Chef Alan Hope. There's even a cinema on site.‍

The Old Forge, Knoydart, Scottish Highlands

With no roads in or out, it's an 18-mile hike or a seven-mile sea crossing to reach the front door of The Old Forge, making it Britain's most remote pub. When the building went up for sale in 2021, a group of locals clubbed together to buy it, meaning it is now owned by the community of Knoydart, who invite everyone in to join them for the craic.

The Star Inn, Harome, York

A Grade II listed, Michelin-starred 14th-century inn sits in the village of Harome, just outside York. They pride themselves not only on the food, boasting a tasting Menu, à la Carte Menu and the Sunday lunch, but the home-cured Yorkshire hospitality, too.

The Devonport Inn, Kingsand, Cornwall

Set back from a small beach on the Rame Peninsula, The Devonport Inn pairs spectacular sea views with some of the freshest seafood on the Cornish coast. Chef Jerome heads out with local fishermen each morning to catch crab, lobster and mackerel, and on his days off you'll apparently find him foraging in the surrounding woods.

The Pigs, Edgefield, Norfolk

Proudly British and deeply rooted in local charm, The Pigs sources its ingredients as locally as possible and caters to a wide range of dietary requirements. If you want to stay a little longer, there are rooms and a spa on site too.

The Tan Hill Inn, North Yorkshire

Famous for being Britain's highest pub, The Tan Hill Inn sits 582 metres above sea level in the Yorkshire Dales. A key destination for walkers, hikers and cyclists, though equally rewarding for those who simply drive up for the view.

The Farmer's Dog, Burford, Oxfordshire

The Farmer's Dog is Jeremy Clarkson's love letter to British farming, where almost every ingredient is sourced from the UK, with exceptions only where it is genuinely impossible, tonic water being a concession they're willing to make. A true celebration of homegrown food, though the famous owner means it fills up fast. Booking is essential.

Fisherman's Cottage, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Both sea and history lovers are sure to be taken by Shanklin's Fisherman's Cottage, just steps away from the sea. It's one of the longest-established pubs in the south of the Island, operating since the early 1800’s, with a menu of pub classics and fresh daily seafood.

Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, Wales

If you prefer your pub shrouded in mystery, this one requires a 20-minute trek, takes no reservations, and doesn't serve dinner (although the lunch is said to be pretty spectactualr). Set on the coast of the LLŷn Peninsula, expect plenty of sea views with a classic pub menu.