Jetsettersblog

VisitEngland, the newly-created international tourism body for England, is launching its new campaign, Inn England to recognise and celebrate one of the country’s most important National Treasures, the English pub.

This year, the great English pub won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, further cementing the important role Inns and Pubs play in the country.

Celebrated chef, Rob Rees (The Cotswold Chef), is visiting Australia to launch this new initiative, in his capacity as Board Member of VisitEngland.

Partnering with The Publican, the leading trade publication for licensees and their pubs, VisitEngland have built a database of fine pubs and inns around the country, all available at www.innengland.com

 The goal is for ‘Inn England’ to become the ideal website for researching and finding pubs and inns across the country to compliment a day-trip, short break or even an afternoon walk!

Pubs and Inns provide more than food and drink. They are an integral part of the English way of life, the cornerstone of many local communities and a great way to discover more about the local way of life, whether it be the amazing local produce on offer on the menu, or the great walks in the area.

English pubs and inns play an important role for tourism in the country, becoming the unofficial ‘out-of-office-hours Tourism Information Centres’ at times and providing visitors with lots of information about the area, from the local history, to what attractions are nearby, to the best
walking route for exploring the surrounding countryside.

A true sense of the past lives on in the creaking timber frames, roaring fires and traditional ales, as locals and visitors alike charge their glasses and revel in England’s fine history. Inn England’s mission is to celebrate the opportunity traditional and refurbished pubs and inns provide for domestic and international visitors alike.

www.Innengland.com isn’t just about the pub – pubs and inns provide a starting point for great activities in the area such as walks, nearby attractions, amazing view points, unique destinations.

Search for a pub or inn by theme, from ‘Family Friendly’ to ‘Most scenic views’ to ‘Most Historic’ and build a day trip or holiday around it. Visitors to the site are also encouraged to rate the pubs and freehouses, leave comments, upload images or simply search for their favourite places.

A guide to England’s inns and pubs:

Family Friendly Dad wants a pint, mum wants a beautiful view and the kids want great fish & chips and lots of fun things to do in the vicinity – InnEngland.com has all of the above and more.

The Sun Inn in the heart of Hawkshead is a great base camp for hiking, biking and boating around the Lakes, while The White Swan in Yorkshire is ideally placed for exploring the Moors and Castle Howard. For amazing food, history and family friendly gardens all in one place, head to the Shave Cross Inn in Bridport, Dorset which has a play area, goldfish pond and a wishing well.

Best Views

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a great view, sitting in a beer garden with a drink in hand. The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is not only one of London’s oldest pubs but also has terrific views, both from the popular terrace and little-known roof-top terrace! Head to the Riverside Inn in Aymestry, deep in the leafy Herefordshire countryside and watch the leaping trout, dragonflies and butterflies flittering about the dreamy River Lugg.

The South West of England is well-known for its stunning views, and some of these can be best enjoyed from the
Mariners, which sits on the north bank of the Camel River, opposite Padstow, or from the quayside terrace of The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, Devon. 

Best for Food

Everyone loves the traditional pub grub combos; fish & chips, sausage & mash, yet now England’s pubs have diversified offering not only the old favourites but also exquisite gastronomic delights, earning many across the country Michelin stars.

The Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancashire has become a popular foodie destination with a range of delicious ingredients making even the humble ploughman’s lunch a culinary marvel.

Combining fine dining with casual drinking, head chef Tony Binks has nailed the gastropub concept at The Barrasford Arms in Hexham, Northumberland with slow roasted caramelised pork shoulder, black pudding and Calvados & sage jus.

Most Historic If it has ‘Olde’ in the name, it tends to be historic! Some great examples are Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, pouring pints since 1170 and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, both of which are contenders for the oldest boozers in England.

The Nushell in Bury St Edmunds is officially the smallest pub in Britain, home to the smallest dart board and snooker
table and ghosthunters reckon there are at least 20 spirits behind the bar at Ye Olde Man & Scythe in Bolton.

Publican award-winning pubs The Publican magazine knows a thing or two about pubs, and each year awards those inns and pubs that most deserve the recognition. This year saw pubs such as the Atlantic Inn on the Scilly Isles win for Best Newcomer, the Feathers Inn in Northumberland taking the prize for Best Food and Drink and Pub of Year 2009 going to the Royal Standard of
England in Buckinghamshire.

For more ‘inn’sider information, get ‘inn’volved at: www.innengland.com