Real Ale Pubs in the South West

Real Ale Pubs & Inns in the South West

Stop by one of our real ale pubs in the South West, close to popular attractions like Stonehenge, Durdle Door, Cheddar Gorge, the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills, serving refreshing, award-winning Butcombe real ales, local ciders, and delicious classic pub meals.

The Methuen Arms

Formerly a nunnery, The Methuen Arms pub in Corsham was transformed into coaching inn and brewery from 1608, full of history and character. With a passion for great food and drink at its core, the pub serves up a mouth-watering menu of food lovingly made with ingredients sourced from its kitchen garden as well as a tasty range of award-winning beers and ales, perfect for sipping alfresco style in the pub’s spacious beer garden during the warmer months.

The Castle Inn

Make your seaside staycation extra-special and stop by The Castle Inn for a pint. Whether you’re exploring the Jurassic Coast, visiting Lulworth Cove, Lulworth Castle, or Durdle Door, you deserve a break. Indulge with a refreshing pint of award-winning Butcombe beers, a glass of fine wine, or your favourite tipple, in the beautiful courtyard terrace, or cosy up inside the 16th-century inn with a delicious, locally-sourced classic pub meal.

The Ostrich

Bristol Harbourside’s Ostrich pub brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘watering hole’, with beautiful waterside views, plenty of outdoor seating, first floor Top Deck bar, and an impressive array of Butcombe beers with a dedicated rum menu – a nod to its nautical heritage. Stop by to sample the food menu, chock-full of mouthwatering modern twists on classic pub dishes, and find out for yourself why The Ostrich was voted Best New Pub in the 2020 Publican Awards.

The Swan Inn

Nestled on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the ex-mining village of Rowberrow, you’ll find the 17th century Swan Inn. Sample the selection of award-winning Butcombe beers and indulge in delicious, hearty pub classics from the locally-sourced menu, full of modern twists. Soak up the sun in the large beer garden with a refreshing pint and a classic pub meal, or cosy up by the open fire indoors with your four-legged friend by your side. Stop by the nearby Butcombe Brewery to see what makes our award-winning beers and real ales so special with a memorable brewery tour.

The Avon Causeway

Enjoy a pint of proper Butcombe beer at the Avon Causeway pub, a converted 18th-century coaching inn. Take a break and soak up the sun in the pleasant beer garden, or warm up next to a crackling open fire indoors, perfect for winter months. Stay for a bite to eat at the restaurant serving locally-sourced produce, or stay for a little longer in the country-chic accommodation.

The Bear Inn

In the heart of the historic market town of Cirencester, you’ll find The Bear Inn, home to hand-pulled beers and ales, locally-sourced modern twists on pub classics, a beautiful beer garden for alfresco dining and drinking, and a crackling open fire. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pint, a short snack, or something more substantial, you’ll find your favourite classic pub dish at The Bear Inn.

The Beckford Inn

For excellent beer, excellent food, and friendly, welcoming staff, close to the Cotswolds and Cheltenham, you can’t do much better than The Beckford Inn. Treat yourself to your favourite pub meal, enjoy a refreshing pint of award-winning Butcombe beer in the beautiful beer garden, and relax in a rustic setting at The Beckford Inn.

The Bell

If you’re looking for a pub with electric nightlife, you’re in the right place. The Bell pub in Stokes Croft, Bristol, is right at the centre of the action, with regular live music and DJs, local art adorning the walls, an intimate outside courtyard area, and an impressive selection of award-winning Butcombe beers behind the bar – the perfect stop for a night out you won’t forget.

The Bower Inn

If you’re after a swift pint after exploring the Somerset Levels, or you’re looking for a hearty meal in Bridgwater, pop into the characterful 18th century Bower Inn. Behind the bar, it’s all about Butcombe beer, local cider, and an array of superb wines and spirits – perfectly paired with head chef Alan’s award-winning sausage rolls!

Broad Street Townhouse

Take a break from exploring the beautiful golden city of Bath, and stop in for a light bite, craft beer, wine, or cocktail in our ground floor café/bar at Broad Street Townhouse hotel, a stone’s throw away from popular Bath attractions like Thermae Bath Spa, the Roman Baths, and Bath Abbey. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, pop next door to their sister venue, The Pig & Fiddle gastropub, for a hearty pub classic meal.

The Bowl Inn

If you’re exploring the bustling city of Bristol, take a break at The Bowl Inn, situated in the outskirts to the North of the city, in Almondsbury. There’s nothing quite like an award-winning pint of Butcombe beer, but if you’re in the mood for a local South West cider, fine wine, or your favourite tipple, then sit back and enjoy a drink at The Bowl Inn. Feeling peckish? Sample the light bites and pub snacks, or go all-out with a classic pub dish, perfectly paired with your pint.

The Cottage Inn

The Cottage Inn is where all the locals flock in Bristol when the sun is shining. Boasting waterside views, a pleasant terrace, and a cracking selection of award-winning Butcombe beers, and local ciders behind the bar, it’s easy to see why. On colder days, you can retreat inside to curl up beside the crackling open fire, with your favourite Butcombe beer in hand. Why not indulge with a delicious, locally-sourced pub meal, while you’re there? You deserve it!

The Crown

Settle in front of the cracking open fire at The Crown pub in Dyrham with a pint of Butcombe real ale. With its rustic stone-clad interior, authentic wooden beams, and a beautiful beer garden, you can be sure of a relaxing drink at The Crown. Sample the comforting menu at the on-site restaurant, chock-full of pub classics, with options for all dietary requirements, and the pickiest eaters.

The Fleet

If you’re looking for a riverside pub close to the Malvern Hills, Wye Valley, and Cotswolds Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’re in the right place at The Fleet Inn. Expect a relaxing place for a pint, with an excellent menu of modern pub dishes, comfortable rooms, and a range of Butcombe beers to choose from.

Fleur de Lys

There’s nothing like the rustic ambience of the Fleur de Lys pub in Norton St Philip, with its vintage stone walls, historic wooden beams, and comforting, crackling open fire. For a swift pint, light bite, or a substantial, hearty pub meal, close to Bath and the Cotswolds, you can’t do much better than the Fleur de Lys.

Frog & Fiddle

Cocktails, local ciders, wines, premium spirits, and, of course, an unbeatable selection of Butcombe beers and real ales… what more could you want, in the heart of Cheltenham? The Frog and Fiddle pub is a favourite of locals and visitors alike, with live sports for the big game, plenty of pub games, an intimate courtyard area, and regular live music nights for memorable evenings in the town centre.

The George Inn

Take a break from exploring the Roman city of Bath for an award-winning pint at the historic George Inn in Norton St. Philip. In the Grade II-listed inn, dating back to 1397, you’ll find stretching wooden beams, stone-clad walls, and a cosy atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the South West. Treat yourself to your favourite pub meal from the menu, including classics like fish and chips, pie and mash, and one of the best roast dinners in the region.

The Horse & Groom

A grade II-listed pub located in the picturesque village of Charlton, The Horse & Groom pub-restaurant dates back to the 16th century and retains many charming original features, including its beautiful flagstone flooring and open fireplace. With a top-notch food menu and tasty beer selection, there’s something to tickle all taste buds, and with a tree-sheltered lawn and sun-trap paddock, the pub offers plenty of space for al fresco drinking and dining.

The King’s Arms

The King’s Arms pub is a charming, 18th-century inn located in picturesque Melksham. Whether you’re stopping by to sample their hand-pulled real ales, enjoy their menu of seasonal, home-cooked food or while away the hours in their inviting beer garden, you can be sure a very warm welcome awaits you.

The Lamb

For a refreshing pint, quick bite, or a more substantial pub meal, visit The Lamb Inn. When you’re exhausted after exploring the rugged landscape of the Mendips, stopping for a snack near Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, or you’re preparing for an afternoon walk in the countryside, The Lamb Inn is the perfect place to take a break. Indulge with a hand-pulled Butcombe beer, tasty bar snack, or your favourite hearty classic dish in a historic converted coaching inn dating back to 1480, unlike anywhere you’ve been before.

The Langford Inn

On the edge of the Mendip Hills AONB and close to Bristol city centre, you’ll find The Langford Inn pub. Stop off for a refreshing, award-winning Butcombe beer, wine, spirit, soft drink, cider, or cocktail. Relax in the 17th century, oak-beamed inn with a pint in hand and your pup at your side, and enjoy the crackle of the roaring open fire.

The Lime Kiln

Stop by the Lime Kiln Inn for a swift pint, quick bar snack, or a substantial, hearty meal. Boasting spectacular views over the Somerset Levels, with locally-sourced classic pub meals, a nutritious kid’s menu, and an array of award-winning Butcombe beers for the grown-ups, you can sit back and relax in the Lime Kiln Inn.

The Pavilion Arms

Quench your thirst after exploring Bournemouth’s famous beaches and take a break in the pleasant beer garden at The Pavilion Arms gastropub, with a vast range of award-winning Butcombe beers, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic tipples behind the bar. Stay for a bite to eat, if you’re feeling peckish, with a menu chock-full of bar snacks, hearty classic pub dishes, and decadent desserts.

The Pelican

For a refreshing pint after your trek across the Mendip Hills, stop by The Pelican pub in Chew Magna. With a fabulous wine list, an impressive selection of award-winning beers, and a seasonal menu of classic pub dishes, there’s something for everyone, and with both crackling log fires and a beautiful sun-trap garden, you’ll have a great time at The Pelican, come rain or shine.

The Whitmore Tap

Named in honour of Butcombe founder Simon Whitmore, the Whitmore Tap pub is Butcombe Brewing Co’s taproom, offering the full range of Butcombe cask, keg and bottled beer and cider. Located in the heart of Bristol, the street-level bar offers exciting bar snacks, small plates, sharing boards and yakitori skewers, while the upstairs dining room champions British produce, local ingredients and big, seasonal flavours, all cooked fresh using the on-site Robata charcoal grill and open kitchen, and designed to complement and celebrate the delicious brews on offer!

The Pig & Fiddle

An iconic building in the heart of Bath, the refurbished Pig & Fiddle pub offers all-day food offer, regular live sport, and a buzzing atmosphere, any time of day. Get stuck into hearty seasonal pub classics, banging bar snacks, a delicious brunch menu, and Piggy sharer Sunday roasts in Bath, perfectly paired with a variety of craft beer, cask ale, wine and cocktails.

The Quarryman’s Arms

The Quarryman’s Arms inn is a family-friendly country pub located in picturesque Box Hill. The boozer offers a mouth-watering menu featuring pub favourites made with the finest seasonal produce, as well as award-winning pies and sausage rolls, and the best Sunday roast in the area. Behind the bar, you’ll find a delicious selection of ales, craft beers, local ciders and wines, while outside the pub’s newly-covered and heated beer garden is ideal for al fresco drinking and dining all year round.

Ring O’ Bells Compton Martin

The Ring O’ Bells is a traditional country pub in the quaint Somerset village of Compton Martin, in the heart of the Chew Valley, surrounded by the spectacular Mendip Hills. Stop in for a pint while you’re exploring the Mendips countryside, to catch a secret gig from popular and local musicians (previous gigs include Kylie Minogue, Paul Weller, and Coldplay!), to watch the latest game on the big screen, or for a bite to eat from a menu full of delicious pub classics.

The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak pub in Prestbury is the closest place to stop for a pint near Cheltenham Racecourse, a mere 10-minute drive from Cheltenham town centre, between the Cotswolds and Mendip Hill Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sit back and relax with a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer and a delicious, locally-sourced classic pub meal in a traditional old-world British pub – great food, great beer, and a great atmosphere… what more could you want?

The White Hart

Located in the village of Wroughton, The White Hart gastropub is a stunning thatched pub boasting bags of character. Expect traditional and charming pub interiors, large beer gardens, a menu packed with tasty seasonal dishes and a bar stocked with award-winning Butcombe ales!

Tenanted Pubs

The Charlton Inn

In the centre of Shepton Mallet, between the Mendip Hills and Cranborne Chase Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lies the Charlton Inn. A hub of great beers and real ales, live music, live sports, and a fun play area for the little ones, everyone’s welcome at the Charlton Inn – even your four-legged friend! Stop by for a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer, and stay for the cosy, friendly atmosphere

Queen Victoria

Nestled in the Mendip Hills, the Queen Victoria Inn in Priddy is a classic, ivy-covered, stone-clad gastropub, with original features including flagstone flooring, cosy fireplaces and high-beamed ceilings, dating back to the 1800s. Enjoy award-winning real ales and ciders, and locally-sourced, home-cooked food at the Queen Vic, the perfect place to relax after a long walk in the surrounding Mendips countryside.

Ring O’ Bells Hinton Blewitt

Enjoy a crisp, refreshing pint of proper real ale in an archetypal Somerset gastropub, near the beautiful Mendip Hills and Chew Valley (referred to as the Lake District of Somerset). Whether you’re trekking across the Mendip Hills, staycationing in the Somerset countryside, or you’re a Hinton Blewitt local, pop into the Ring o’ Bells pub for a delicious, locally-sourced meal and a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer, indoors by a delightful inglenook fireplace, or outside in the pleasant beer garden courtyard area.

The Smoking Dog

The Smoking Dog gastropub is a classic Cotswold stone pub located in the heart of picturesque Malmesbury. Serving up delicious seasonal food and a great range of real ales, the family-friendly pub has developed a widespread reputation for its warm atmosphere.

Cross Keys

Find out why The Cross Keys pub in Rode is a beloved watering hole of Somerset locals, and pop in for a pint of Butcombe beer, or your favourite tipple. Whether you’re looking for a drink to quench your thirst after exploring the Cotswolds, or you’re after a more substantial meal, you’ll find what you’re after at The Cross Keys, with a friendly atmosphere and traditional gastropub vibe.

Rose and Crown

The Rose & Crown pub is a late-18th century charismatic gastropub and inn, close to Bath, in the idyllic village of Hinton Charterhouse. The perfect blend of old and new, the Rose & Crown makes the perfect place to stop for a pint or a hearty meal. This traditional pub near Cheddar serves delicious, seasonal food made with locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by an excellent selection of real ale, beer, wine, cider, and other top tipples. Bring your prized pooch after exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby dog-walking routes, and relax in the oak-panelled bar or outside in the terraced courtyard beer garden.

The Beambridge Inn

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing pint, fine wine, or your favourite tipple, stop into The Beambridge Inn in Wellington, close to Blackdown, Quantock Hills, and the countryside of both Somerset and Devon. A popular venue for cyclists on the John O’ Groats to Lands End circuit, inside, you’ll find modern-rustic decor, a nod to the 200-year history of the original coaching inn. Enjoy an award-winning Butcombe beer outside in the courtyard beer garden, or find your favourite from the menu of classic British pub dishes, made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

The Carpenters Arms

Stop by The Carpenters Arms pub in Yeovil, a traditional stone-built gastropub serving hand-pulled real ale, fine wines, local ciders, and everyone’s favourite tipples behind the bar. Enjoy a sit-down meal after exploring the surrounding Somerset, and choose your favourite from a menu chock-full of classic British pub meals, from steak and ale pie to the famous Carpenters Chicken, and, of course, a world-class roast dinner on Sundays. Family- and dog-friendly, too, everyone’s sure of a warm welcome at The Carpenters Arms.

The Coach House

Pop into the family-run Coach House pub, a favourite of locals from Locking Village and nearby Weston-super-Mare. Stop by for a pint of award-winning, hand-pulled real ale in the lovely beer garden, and stay for a fun-filled night of pool, darts, and skittles – a classic British pub pastime. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat from the menu of the UK’s favourite pub dishes, from roast dinners to classic curries.

The Old Crown Inn

Just outside of Bath, with spectacular views of Roundhill, on the edge of the Cotswold countryside, you’ll find The Old Crown Inn in Kelston. Whether you’re retreating from the cold on a winter’s day to glorious cracking log fires, or relaxing in the sun in the best beer garden in the South West, The Old Crown is the perfect place for a refreshing pint. Winners of the 2018 Bath in Bloom and South West in Bloom awards for the beautiful outside area, at The Old Crown, there’s something for everyone on the locally-sourced menu full of pub classics in hearty portion sizes, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes for all dietary requirements.

The Old Restoration

Sample the ales and proper Butcombe beers behind the bar at The Old Restoration pub – a Grade II-listed building, and the oldest public house in Cheltenham. Put your skills to the test with a game of darts or pool, or catch the latest game on the big screen, and treat yourself to a home-cooked classic pub dish, perfectly paired with an award-winning Butcombe beer.

The Old Station Inn

After visiting nearby Bath, Bristol, Wells, the Mendip Hills, or the Cotswolds, pop into The Old Station Inn in Hallatrow for a refreshing, award-winning pint. The historic inn, dating back to the 1920s, is a treasure trove of nostalgic, eclectic memorabilia, and you’ll find something new that makes you smile every time you visit. Stay for a meal in the romantic, intimate Carriage Restaurant, a cosy family meal in the gastropub dining area, or relax in the outside courtyard beer garden with your four-legged friend.

The Podymore Inn

Fancy a hand-pulled, proper pint of real ale while you’re in rural Somerset? Pop into The Podymore Inn, and treat yourself to a selection of award-winning Butcombe beers and real ales, with wines, ciders, spirits, lagers, and non-alcoholic drinks available behind the bar. Why not go all out with a delicious, home-style meal in a gastropub setting, great for the whole family, even your four-legged friend!

The Prince of Wales

A welcoming, charismatic pub filled with character, The Prince of Wales pub in Westbury-on-Trym is a favourite of locals and travellers alike. Relax in the sprawling, green beer garden, complete with a boules court, TV, and a large wooden fort for the kids to play on. For the adults, a selection of award-winning Butcombe beers, real ales, lagers, ciders, spirits, wines and non-alcoholic drinks behind the bar make The Prince of Wales a perfect place to stop for a pint.

The Rodney Stoke Inn

If you’re looking for a place to stop for a pint where you can surround yourself with spectacular Somerset scenery, The Rodney Stoke Inn is the perfect gastropub for you. Breathe in the fresh countryside air in the beautiful beer garden with an award-winning Butcombe beer in your hand and your dog by your side, or marvel at the Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserve indoors, from the floor-to-ceiling windows, while you enjoy a delicious, home-cooked, locally-sourced meal.

Goat & Tricycle

A favourite of Bournemouth locals, the Goat & Tricycle pub is at the heart of the town centre, close to the Triangle – a perfect place for an alfresco pint of award-winning Butcombe beer. Catch the big game, watch local musicians perform, or just enjoy a delicious, home-cooked classic British meal in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

The White Horse

Relax and unwind in the beautiful beer garden of the White Horse pub, with views across the Somerset and Gloucestershire countryside, or, if the weather’s taken a chilly turn, head indoors to a country-chic style, cosy dining area. Stay for a few pints while watching the big game, stop for a light bite with your pup by your side, or enjoy something more substantial, with a menu chock-full of modern twists on pub classics – you’ll find your new favourite at the White Horse.

Wiltshire Yeoman

Formerly a farmhouse dating back to the 18th century, the Wiltshire Yeoman gastropub is a vibrant, family-friendly pub situated in Trowbridge. The pub specialises in freshly-prepared home-cooked dishes, which are perfectly washed down with the excellent range of local ales on offer, and with both a roaring fireplace and extensive beer garden, you’re guaranteed to have a great time whatever the weather!

The Badminton

Fancy a pint near Bristol? Pop into The Badminton Carvery pub to sample a range of award-winning Butcombe beers behind the bar – or, if you’re in the mood for something else, there’s a selection of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. Sit down for a delicious, home-cooked carvery roast dinner, complete with all the trimmings, in a family-friendly, dog-friendly gastropub.