The UK’s cosiest pubs: the readers’ picks

The FT commenting names of readers have been given in bold type at the end of each entry. Where readers gave details about what they love about a particular pub, that has been included as a quote.

The Free Press

Cambridge

“Cosy, central, great food, very local (not in a bad way). Was my favourite when I lived there. Say hi to Megan.” freepresscambridge.com Rexyy

Foston’s Ash

Stroud, Gloucestershire

This former toll house turned pub serves elderflower mojitos, local ales and has a shepherd’s hut for overnight stays. “A fantastic pub – cosy, fun and sublime food.” fostonsash.co.uk Benjuandraw

The Dusty Miller

Huddersfield 

“Not local to many readers, but famed in these parts for its glorious microbrewed beer, lovely atmosphere, original features and terrific views. When it’s not raining sideways.” dustymillerlongwood.com Rpt66

The Errigle Inn

Belfast

With original floors, “no TVs and no music”, the Errigle’s Oak Lounge is as cosy as it gets with its Lloyd Loom furniture – also used by Royal Yachts, Ocean Liners and the royal boxes at Henley, Wimbledon and Twickenham. The thing to order is a Suds “juicy pale”. errigle.com StevieD123

The Holy Tavern

Clerkenwell, London 

Formerly known as The Jerusalem Tavern, this Clerkenwell boozer dates back to the founding of the Priory on the same ground in the early 1100s, home to the Monastic Order of the Knights Hospitallers. It’s candle-lit every Tuesday. theholytavern.com Comments have not been enabled

The Post Office Tavern

Bristol 

“An impressive, single-storey pub at the top of Westbury Hill, originally a mail coach house. There is still an old gaol on the other side of the road where prisoners were held on their way to court.” post-office-tavern.co.uk Lizard

Tan Hill Inn

Richmond, Yorkshire 

A 17th-century pub on a “lonely hill” in the Yorkshire Dales. “Regularly gets snowed in – what could be cosier on a winter’s night?” tanhillinn.com Nick1966

Horse & Groom

Caulcott, Oxfordshire 

“Tiny, traditional, with excellent food – the owner-landlord is a French chef.” Dishes might include monkfish gratin, “supreme” sausages and crêpes Suzette. horseandgroomcaulcott.co.uk Tench

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn

Castleton, Derbyshire

You won’t find games machines, pool tables or Sky Sports here. Instead, the priority is “ambience”. That and pies; order the “Famous Inn Keeper” (steak, bacon, black pudding, potatoes and carrots). cheshirecheeseinn.co.uk James Bobbins

Ye Olde Mitre

Holborn, London

Famous for its cherry tree that Queen Elizabeth supposedly danced around with Sir Christopher Hatton, this 16th-century establishment was originally built to house the Bishop of Ely’s servants. Grab a pork pie and sit at the bar. yeoldemitreholborn.co.uk Rexyy

The Grenadier

Belgravia, London 

Self-described as “royalty amongst London pubs”, The Grenadier is a corner of calm five minutes from Hyde Park. The pub’s name is taken from a soldier who was caught cheating at cards and beaten to death. Visitors can – and do – stick money to the ceiling in a bid to “pay his debt”. grenadierbelgravia.com Warren Jones

The Felin Fach Griffin

Felin Fach, Powys

A bright-red dining pub between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. There’s storytelling by the fire, locally priced drinks for regulars and eight cosy bedrooms upstairs. The Roberts radios are tuned to welcome guests with Radio 4 upon arrival. eatdrinksleep.ltd.uk Expat1973

The King’s Arms

Borough, London 

“Just a proper old pub – great for a lunchtime half of Guinness and a roast beef sandwich.” kingsarmsborough.co.uk Rpt66

Craven Arms

Appletreewick, Yorkshire

Real ales, real log fires and a heather-thatched roof. The Craven Arms is the perfect resting place after a walk up Burnsall Fell. craven-cruckbarn.mobi Leeds_Lad

The Steamboat

South Shields

An “unpretentious local boozer” offering a large range of beers from independent and micro-brewers. Mind your footing on the cobbled pavements on your way out. 27 Mill Dam, South Shields NE33 1EQ GreyHairedEntrepreneur

The Blue Blazer

Edinburgh 

“Very” dog-friendly and with “way more whisky than [they] sensibly have room for”. Look out for the Sunday cheeseboard – a free “help-yourself” platter under a cloche at the bar. kilderkingroup.co.uk Hutchero

The Shooters Arms

SOUTHFIELD, Lancashire 

“High on a hill overlooking Nelson. It’s run by Dave and Lucy, who own a nearby farm, ensuring field-to-fork produce.” Southfield Lane, Southfield, Burnley BB10 3RJ Tomma235

Prince of Wales

LEDBURY, Herefordshire 

“You can have a pint, then home in time for Match of the Day.” Pies are made by the award-winning Pieminister; ciders are local. Church Lane, Ledbury HR8 1DL Glass kind of empty

The Mayflower

Rotherhithe, London

Worth crossing the river for its fish and chips alone, The Mayflower is a historic pub with exposed black beams and a candlelit dining room. Claims to be London’s oldest pub on the Thames. mayflowerpub.co.uk Sp768

The Horse Guards Inn

Tillington, West Sussex 

This 350-year-old pub is named after the Household Cavalry, who rested their horses in the grounds of the surrounding Petworth Estate. Today there are board games, straw-bale seats and a kitchen supplied by an adjoining vegetable patch. thehorseguardsinn.co.uk Occasional