The New Inn, St Owen's Cross

When The New Inn was bought five years ago, it was well in need of some TLC. And, as a pub close to their own hearts, they were more than ready to take on the challenge of giving this 16th-century coaching inn a new lease of life, with a winning combination of old-fashioned beams and plaster, chic rooms and fabulous food. As a result, it's a wonderfully warm and friendly place, with tasteful, stylish rooms and exquisite food, set in breathtaking Herefordshire countryside just outside Ross-on-Wye.

The pub has a lovely bar and restaurant, and although it still maintains a traditional look, it's very sophisticated and contemporary, with stripped-back light oak beams. The three AA Rosette restaurant serves first-rate food with a strong emphasis on local produce and seasonality. They have three very elegant bedrooms, rated 5* by the AA, which come with cosy throws and robes, ultra-comfy beds, WiFi and Smart TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and crisp, modern en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are all spacious but the largest one is almost a suite, with a wow-factor glass-walled bathroom and a free-standing bath – very romantic, and perfect for a weekend away. They also offer beautiful, contemporary self-catering accommodation less than a five-minute drive away at Teal Barn, which sleeps eight people.

The New Inn is above all a pub for those looking for something a little bit special, with over 50 wines by the glass and a great choice of ales, bespoke cocktails and an enormous list of gins – including plenty of local specialities! The food, too, is top-notch – think orchard pork, wild sea bass, blackberry souffle… – and as well as the contemporary yet rustic dining room, there's a lovely secret terrace to enjoy eating and drinking al fresco. They offer à la carte, a set lunch option, two fabulous tasting menus, and lighter dishes at the informal bar. In fact, they won 'Gastro Pub of the Year' at the 2024 Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards, and were named in the Good Food Guide’s 'Top 50 UK Best Sunday Roasts 2024' list.

The pub also enjoys an excellent location, close to the bustling market town of Ross-on-Wye, with the beautiful Wye Valley and Symonds Yat, and the gorgeous small town of Ledbury not far away.