pub

A HISTORIC UK pub has reopened after a £1.8million renovation.

The Hoop and Grapes pub in Farringdon, London has reopened after a huge refurb – and all the buildings around it are modern skyscrapers.

The Grade-II listed pub has been closed since 2019 as the surrounding area was redeveloped.

Restored by Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, the refurbished pub still celebrates its history, whilst also adding vibrant and modern elements.

The pub was originally built in 1721 on land that used to be a part of St Bride’s Church burial ground and is thought to have been a wine merchant’s home.

And the boozer is well known for being the site of illicit ‘Fleet Marriages’.

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These were weddings that took place illegally in the late 17th century and often involved couples wanting to marry fast, for example when a woman was pregnant.

To bring the story to life, the pub has added a swing sign which depicts an 18th-century wedding scene.

There are also hand-painted signs on the outside of the pub that add to the historic front facade.

The boozer also once held a special license to operate from 2am to 5am for printers and market workers.

Across five floors, the building offers three different experiences.

On the ground floor is where visitors will find a traditional London pub with a courtyard garden.

On the first floor, there is then a comfortable seating area.

And the top floor is a more intimate piano room, ideal for private events.

The menu features dishes with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.

There are buffet feast boards as well, such as a beef burger sliders platter for £50 or a pork and sage Scotch eggs board for £45.

When it comes to having a tipple, the pub boasts Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, English wines and cocktails.

According to the pub’s website, “the name ‘Hoop & Grapes’ likely refers to the metal hoops used to hold barrels together, and the grape-derived wines that will have been the daily business of this 18th century building even before it became a public house.

“However, a possible alternative reading of the name is that ‘Hoop’ could be a corruption of the word ‘Hops’ and the name might simply refer to the availability of both beers and wines within.”

One visitor said: “Best pub in the ‘City’ in my opinion.”

Another simply said: “Beautiful pub.”

In other pub news, here’s a very extensive list of London’s 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them.

Plus, the best pubs across the UK – including indoor slides, huge beer gardens and pints cheaper than Wetherspoons.

With its own onsite pub and nine acres of land, Weetwood Hall Hotel is a proper Northern retreat.

Even though parts date back to the Tudor period, all mod-cons are taken care of – so here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Weetwood Hall Hotel?

Weetwood Hall Hotel is just five miles from Leeds city centre and on a direct bus route to all the main attractions.  

The hotel’s large car park, free for residence, lends itself to road trip adventures.

If you’re in town for one of the many sporting events Leeds plays host to, Weetwood is well placed being 2 miles from Headingley Stadium and 6 miles from Elland Road.

What is the hotel like?

This four-star hotel gives you a proper Yorkshire welcome, and the friendly staff are on hand for all your needs.

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It is built around a gorgeous 17th-century Jacobean manor house, set in nine acres of peaceful woodlands with its own traditional pub.

Parts date back to 1540, so it has real history – but it’s been thoughtfully updated into a modern hotel with quirky style.

It’s a nice balance of historic charm and modern convenience.

What are the rooms like?

You’ve got solid options. Signature rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, or upgrade to one of the king rooms, which really deliver on atmosphere with four-poster beds and period features.

Fast WiFi, proper amenities, and comfortable beds make for a good night’s sleep. 

Standard rooms cost from £31.05pp based on two sharing. See weetwood.co.uk.

What is there to do?

Weetwood’s Stables Pub has real character – it’s housed in the original horse stables and makes for atmospheric evening drinks.

It’s a cosy drinking hole serving traditional English beers and Yorkshire gin, plus there are big screens for watching sports.

For sunny days, there’s also outdoor seating in a lovely large courtyard. 

Once you’ve unpacked, why not take a ride on the little yellow water taxi (£3 per person per trip) to the free Royal Armouries Museum where Henry VIII’s and an elephant’s armour is on display.

Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England, is an 18 minute drive away.

What is there to eat and drink?

The breakfast was delightful, with hot and cold options plus a very popular pancake station.

Convive Restaurant handles dinner with classic British dishes and cocktails, while afternoon tea costs £32.50 per person. 

At the onsite Stables pub, sample some of the many varieties of Yorkshire gin that are on offer.

Is the hotel family friendly?

For a family getaway, book one of the Weetwood’s family rooms with space for up to 4 people.

Make sure to ring ahead to organise a travel cot for the little ones.

Furry friends are welcome for a service charge of £25 per stay.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Fully accessible rooms are available and equipped with an adjustable electric bed, wet room and orthopaedic raised seating.

The Mirror’s data team has crunched the numbers and found where in the country has the highest concentration of pubs – see if your hometown has made the cut in our rankings

The pub capital of the UK has been crowned, and it’s a beautiful part of the country with cosy inns and rolling hills.

It’s been a rough year for the pub trade. Many are facing increasingly tricky futures. A report by UK Hospitality has warned that six venues will close every day this year without support – a total of more than 2,000. That far outstrips the 378 that closed in 2025, according to the Institute for Licensing. The British Beer and Pub Association worries pubs will need to sell an extra 1.3 billion pints of beer a year to offset surging taxes.

However, as gloomy as the overall picture is, there are still thousands of incredible pubs across the country, and areas where the trade is, if not booming, then thriving in a relative sense.

The Mirror’s data team has crunched the numbers and found that the drinkers in the Derbyshire Dales are more well stocked with pubs than anywhere else in England and Wales. The rural council has a total of 152 pubs and bars within its borders, according to our analysis of government data.

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That works out as the equivalent of 25 for every 10,000 adults living there.

That’s the highest rate for any local authority in England and Wales, excluding two areas where extremely low population numbers skew the figures – the City of London (188 pubs and bars, equivalent to 132 per 10,000 adults) and the Isles of Scilly (six pubs, equivalent to 29 per 10,000).

Westminster has the next highest number of pubs relative to its drinking-age population. The London borough’s 407 boozers works out as 23 for every 10,000 resident adults.

Powys also has 23 per 10,000 adults with a total of 259 pubs.

That’s followed by Pembrokeshire with 21 per 10,000 adults, then four council areas with 18 pubs for every 10,000 adults – Westmorland and Furness, North Yorkshire, Gwynedd and Ceredigion.

You can see how many pubs there are for every 10,000 adults in each council area in the country by using our interactive map.

London councils fill the top 10 list of areas with the most pubs relative to their geographic size.The City of London’s 188 pubs and bars works out as the equivalent of 169 for every square mile (with the area famously known as “the Square Mile” being slightly larger than a square mile).

Westminster’s 407 pubs is equivalent to 49 every square mile. In Islington, there are 40 pubs every square mile, while in both Camden there are 29, in Hackney 22 and in both Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham there are 20 every square mile.

Liverpool has the highest density of pubs outside of London. The city’s 502 boozers works out as nearly 12 for every square mile, the 11th highest ratio in England and Wales.

Manchester’s 432 pubs work out at nearly 10 per square mile. Portsmouth’s 139 pubs are nine per square mile, Blackpool’s 114 pubs are also nine per square mile, Norwich’s 127 are eight per square mile, as are Brighton’s 244 pubs and Bristol’s 321.

Wales and England’s 25 pub capitals

1. Derbyshire Dales
2. Westminster
3. Powys
4. Pembrokeshire
5. North Yorkshire
6. Westmorland and Furness
7. Gwynedd
8. Ceredigion
9. Carmarthenshire
10. Staffordshire Moorlands
11. South Hams
12. Denbighshire
13. Monmouthshire
14. North Devon
15. Cotswold
16. East Lindsey
17. West Devon
18. High Peak
19. Malvern Hills
20. Herefordshire, County of
21. Shropshire
22. Isle of Anglesey
23. Calderdale
24. Great Yarmouth
25. Amber Valley

A Cotswolds local has shared her five favourite spots to go for a bite to eat when you’ve completed your long country walk and need something hearty and delicious

Who can resist a hearty pub lunch after a refreshing walk, soaking up the stunning natural beauty around them? It’s simply an unbeatable experience.

It feels like a well-earned treat, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes after a good bout of exercise. That’s why a local woman from the Cotswolds has shared her top picks for a pub lunch if you’re visiting the area, but she warns that you “must” book in advance to avoid disappointment. Ali listed five of her favourite local eateries, all of which sound absolutely delightful and are worth checking out sooner rather than later.

1. The Kingham Plough, Kingham

Ali enthused: “My all-time favourite pub in the Cotswolds. Incredible roasts, consistently great food, faultless service and one of the prettiest villages around.”

A recent Tripadvisor review reads: “We had a lovely dinner with family and friends. The food, especially the more sophisticated dishes, was very good, the ambience pleasant, and the service enjoyable.”

2. The Lamb, Shipton-under-Wychwood

“Outstanding food and such good value evenings (think chicken night, curry night, etc). They also own a few other brilliant Cotswolds pubs that are just as good,” Ali noted.

A recent Tripadvisor review reads: “Roast Chicken – best I’ve ever had (obviously apart from my wife’s and mother’s). It’s really very exceptional. I would go as far as saying I would travel to the Lamb just to eat the roast chicken. Fabulous deal on Thursdays – an entire roast chicken plus trimmings for £30.”

3. The Fox at Oddington, Oddington

Ali praised it, writing: “A Daylesford-owned pub and a local favourite – especially on Thursday nights. Amazing pizza, beautiful interiors and a great atmosphere.”

One glowing Tripadvisor review gushed: “Wow! What a pub… the vibes are on point as soon as you walk in the door. We went on a busy Friday evening without a booking, and after having a drink in the bar, we were seated at a table by James, who was an outstanding host!”

“The food was absolutely superb, we had steak tartare, and the nduja scotch egg for starters, both amazing, then had the Fox double burger and beef bourguignon.

“Hands down the best burger I have ever tasted, and the beef was amazing, both were generous portions, great value for money. The service was great the whole time. Shout out to James, who was great to chat with and looked after us!”

4. The Bull, Charlbury

Ali described it as: “Recently named one of the best pubs in the UK. The menu might look a little intimidating, but trust me – the food is fantastic. Pie night every Thursday.”

One Tripadvisor reviewer shared: “We had a great lunch at The Bull! It is somewhat full of Londoners in rust-coloured corduroy, but that didn’t spoil what was a lovely lunch!”

“You do need to book as it’s extremely popular. Be prepared that it is incredibly dark with only candles for lighting, but all in all, we had a lovely meal – the plates are small, but deceivingly filling! The staff are really nice, and the atmosphere is cosy, lighthearted and easy.

“One word of caution – if you order a Bloody Mary, it may blow your head off!”

5. The Chequers, Churchill

Ali said: “Clarkson’s local and currently undergoing a refurbishment. Reopening mid-March in a stunning village location – one to watch for great food and atmosphere.”

A recent Tripadvisor review reads: “We had a lovely meal at The Chequers. The food was genuinely excellent – fresh, well-cooked, and full of flavour, with a great menu choice. What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were incredibly attentive without being overbearing, friendly, and made us feel very welcome throughout our visit.

“Everything came out promptly, and nothing was too much trouble. It’s clear they really care about the quality of both the food and the customer experience. We’ll definitely be returning and would happily recommend The Chequers to others.”

Which pub would you fancy visiting if you found yourself in the Cotswolds? Share your thoughts in the comments below…

A Cotswolds local has shared her five favourite spots to go for a bite to eat when you’ve completed your long country walk and need something hearty and delicious

Who can resist a hearty pub lunch after a refreshing walk, soaking up the stunning natural beauty around them? It’s simply an unbeatable experience.

It feels like a well-earned treat, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes after a good bout of exercise. That’s why a local woman from the Cotswolds has shared her top picks for a pub lunch if you’re visiting the area, but she warns that you “must” book in advance to avoid disappointment. Ali listed five of her favourite local eateries, all of which sound absolutely delightful and are worth checking out sooner rather than later.

1. The Kingham Plough, Kingham

Ali enthused: “My all-time favourite pub in the Cotswolds. Incredible roasts, consistently great food, faultless service and one of the prettiest villages around.”

A recent Tripadvisor review reads: “We had a lovely dinner with family and friends. The food, especially the more sophisticated dishes, was very good, the ambience pleasant, and the service enjoyable.”

2. The Lamb, Shipton-under-Wychwood

“Outstanding food and such good value evenings (think chicken night, curry night, etc). They also own a few other brilliant Cotswolds pubs that are just as good,” Ali noted.

A recent Tripadvisor review reads: “Roast Chicken – best I’ve ever had (obviously apart from my wife’s and mother’s). It’s really very exceptional. I would go as far as saying I would travel to the Lamb just to eat the roast chicken. Fabulous deal on Thursdays – an entire roast chicken plus trimmings for £30.”

3. The Fox at Oddington, Oddington

Ali praised it, writing: “A Daylesford-owned pub and a local favourite – especially on Thursday nights. Amazing pizza, beautiful interiors and a great atmosphere.”

One glowing Tripadvisor review gushed: “Wow! What a pub… the vibes are on point as soon as you walk in the door. We went on a busy Friday evening without a booking, and after having a drink in the bar, we were seated at a table by James, who was an outstanding host!”

“The food was absolutely superb, we had steak tartare, and the nduja scotch egg for starters, both amazing, then had the Fox double burger and beef bourguignon.

“Hands down the best burger I have ever tasted, and the beef was amazing, both were generous portions, great value for money. The service was great the whole time. Shout out to James, who was great to chat with and looked after us!”

4. The Bull, Charlbury

Ali described it as: “Recently named one of the best pubs in the UK. The menu might look a little intimidating, but trust me – the food is fantastic. Pie night every Thursday.”

One Tripadvisor reviewer shared: “We had a great lunch at The Bull! It is somewhat full of Londoners in rust-coloured corduroy, but that didn’t spoil what was a lovely lunch!”

“You do need to book as it’s extremely popular. Be prepared that it is incredibly dark with only candles for lighting, but all in all, we had a lovely meal – the plates are small, but deceivingly filling! The staff are really nice, and the atmosphere is cosy, lighthearted and easy.

“One word of caution – if you order a Bloody Mary, it may blow your head off!”

5. The Chequers, Churchill

Ali said: “Clarkson’s local and currently undergoing a refurbishment. Reopening mid-March in a stunning village location – one to watch for great food and atmosphere.”

A recent Tripadvisor review reads: “We had a lovely meal at The Chequers. The food was genuinely excellent – fresh, well-cooked, and full of flavour, with a great menu choice. What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were incredibly attentive without being overbearing, friendly, and made us feel very welcome throughout our visit.

“Everything came out promptly, and nothing was too much trouble. It’s clear they really care about the quality of both the food and the customer experience. We’ll definitely be returning and would happily recommend The Chequers to others.”

Which pub would you fancy visiting if you found yourself in the Cotswolds? Share your thoughts in the comments below…

IT’S 9AM in Spain and I’ve just taken my first cold sip from a foam-topped pint of lager as the enthusiastic buzz of holidaymakers fills the airport’s departures lounge.

When in Rome… Except I’m actually west of there, in the Spanish city of Alicante, where the first international Wetherspoons has just opened its doors.

I’m one of the lucky few getting a slightly advanced preview of the boozer on opening day.

But I can already see a queue forming at the door – mainly all Brits who are excitedly posing for snaps under the large sign.

What’s not British, however, is the pub’s name: Castell de Santa Barbara, after Alicante’s glorious 9th century castle which is perched high on a hill, with impressive views of the coastline and sprawling city.

The first punter to order a Guinness is Sun reader Kelvin from Salisbury who says that the opening of the British boozer was “a nice surprise” when he turned up today. 

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“When the taxi dropped me off, I saw the Wetherspoons sign from the outside and thought: perfect. I headed straight here.”

He visits his local ‘Spoons a couple of times a month and an 11:30am pint isn’t out of the ordinary for him.”

Kelvin’s usual: “a small breakfast and a pint – easy peasy”, is on this international menu.

In fact, all the familiar favourites are, bar a few nods to stereotypical Spanish cuisine like the garlic prawns and Spanish tortilla, priced at a reasonable price of €12.45 and €4.95 respectively.

“It’s nice to get something different when you go abroad,” Kelvin says, eyeing up the European selection of beers on tap.

The man sat opposite us is sticking to the classics, though – burger and chips, washed down with a pint of lager.

Another couple, stood at the bar – admittedly not mega Wetherspoons fans, but familiar with the chain – say: “We saw the sign and said ‘we’ve got to try it’.

“We’ll definitely be telling our friends, who fly here regularly, about it”.

It would make sense that most of the faces here are British.

The pub has pitched itself in the non-Schengen area, close to the gates for UK flights to draw in the near 650,000 Brits that pass through this airport monthly.

The decision to open here feels like a wise move, especially with last year being a bumper year for UK travellers to this Spanish airport, which sits a 45-minute drive from the popular resort town of Benidorm.

Last October saw a surge of 5.9 per cent of British passengers passing through the airport compared to the same month the year before – and that number is expected to grow even more.

And what’s not to love about an airport Spoons?

It certainly feels much brighter than other airport Wetherspoons I’ve visited.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the small space with light, while candy floss, glossy tiles give it a warm atmosphere.

There’s a tea and coffee station in the corner, while behind the bar there’s not a whiff of scampi fries or walkers in sight.

These have been replaced by the European holiday favourite, Lays.

This one boasts something that all other airport Wetherspoons do not, however – an outdoor terrace, where you can catch those last glimpses of Spanish sunshine before jetting off home to drizzly England.

The only thing it’s missing is that familiar smell of well-trodden carpet and old chip fryer oil. Give it time, though.

And keep your eyes peeled for the appearance of more Wetherspoons, internationally.

Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin says: “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”

Cheers to that.

Here is the airport Wetherspoons named the best in the UK.

The picturesque village boasts 1,000 years of rich history, stunning churches and marvellous buildings, as well as a legendary haunted pub.

A picturesque Lancashire village renowned for its medieval heritage, stunning landscapes, and a celebrated pub with a spooky history is being praised as essential viewing by visitors.

Nestled between Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this charming hamlet offers the perfect peaceful retreat, particularly for those passionate about history.

With origins stretching back at least 1,000 years, the serene village of Chipping features in the Domesday Book as Chippenden; the name stems from ‘Chepyn’ meaning ‘market place’.

The settlement experienced significant wealth in bygone eras, flourishing throughout the Industrial Revolution, when seven mills operated along Chipping Brook’s banks.

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Chipping possesses a fascinating and layered past, with its period buildings ranking among the village’s premier attractions.

Wandering through this delightful village feels remarkably like travelling back in time, with the scenic hamlet radiating an unmistakably medieval yet captivating atmosphere, reports Lancs Live.

Indeed, numerous stone cottages throughout the village date back to the 1600s and 1700s, enhancing its historical appeal.

St Bartholomew’s Church

The village of Chipping houses the 13th-century St Bartholomew’s Church, an active Anglican church with Grade II Listed status, positioned at the village centre and partially restored in 1505, 1706, and throughout the 19th Century.

St Bartholomew’s Church boasts an ancient yew tree within its grounds – a magnificent landmark renowned throughout the county – thought to be more than a century old.

A sundial from 1708 can also be discovered in the churchyard on the southern side of the main structure.

Open for private prayer daily between 10am and 3.30pm, this beautiful church has occupied its present site for more than 500 years and forms an integral part of Chipping’s medieval heritage.

St Mary’s Church

After the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, publicly practising Catholicism became unlawful, yet several local landowners who stayed Catholic proceeded to create a handful of worship centres on their properties.

One was in Chipping, founded by the Welds of Leagram Hall.

In 1827, George Weld donated funds and land to build the openly Catholic St Mary’s Church in Chipping village, just before Catholic Emancipation in 1829.

He also constructed an adjoining priest’s house and a school (now serving as a parish hall) around the same period, which remain standing as the buildings we observe in the village today.

Other medieval attractions

Another medieval site in Lancashire’s Chipping is Hesketh End on Judd Holmes Lane – a Grade I Listed Building originating from 1591 and the early 17th century, which underwent restoration in 1907.

The Grade II Listed Woolfen Hall, potentially dating back to the 16th century and nestled at the base of nearby Parlick Hill, is a must-see when visiting Chipping.

The village boasts two incredibly popular pubs: The Sun Inn, a welcoming yet infamously legendary 17th-century pub, sits unassumingly on the corner of Chipping’s main street, proudly displaying its rich history of spectral tales.

Chipping’s other well-loved watering hole is The Tillotson’s Arms on Talbot Street. Constructed around 1836 and historically known as the Buck Inn, it has since been renamed to The Tilly’s.

IN Arkengarthdale, North Yorkshire is the beautiful Charles Bathurst, the perfect cosy bolthole.

Here is everything you need to know including restaurant menus and room rates.

Where is the Charles Bathurst?

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, the Charles Bathurst is on the edge of the Pennine Way, so an ideal spot for walkers to stop at.

What is the hotel like?

The “CB” is essentially a village pub with stripped floors, wooden tables, open fires and a wide range of beers.

It gets its name from the 18th-century Lord of the Manor, who operated the local lead mines.

In a stunning location, it is the perfect stop after a long walk it is a great place to relax.

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What are the rooms like?

There are 19 en suite rooms that have been modernised for the thousands of tourists, especially walkers, who visit the area every year.

We took our five-year-old son and had a family room with a king-size bed and a fold-down sofa.

There was a modern bathroom, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, locally made shortbread in a jar and fresh milk in a fridge in the corridor.

Double and twin rooms start at £145 per night and include a full English breakfast. See cbinn.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There’s not another place to go to for food in the village, but that’s fine.

The pub does hearty Yorkshire food that while not the the cheapest, but faultless.

I had a smoked bacon loin with a fried egg, chips and salad for £15.95 and my husband had beer-battered fish and chips for £16.95.

It’s back to the bar for breakfast and that was a great spread.

You can help yourself to fruit, yoghurt, cereal and toast, plus they served up an amazing full English – the best sausages I’ve had in years.

What else is there to do there?

The small village was the backdrop for vet series All Creatures Great And Small as well as mini-series A Woman Of Substance.

Is it family friendly?

Yes, extra beds are bookable on request, and highchairs are available at the restaurant.

Is it accessible?

There is accessible access as well as five floors on the ground floor.