Welcome to Britain’s cosiest pub

The Olde Gate Inn in Brassington near Matlock has been named Britain’s cosiest pub by The Times. Roger Protz, the editor of The Good Beer Guide, was asked to recommend pubs with all the cosy features you need to keep freezing temperatures at bay -roaring fires, good company, and a fine pint - and came up with The Olde Gate Inn.

He said: “It’s simply the perfect winter pub: you won’t find a cosier place in the country.”

The 17th century Marston’s Pub Company pub is steeped in history – Bonnie Prince Charlie’s soldiers were billeted there on their march to London, and some of the oak beams are believed to have come from ships involved the Spanish Armada.

He said: “It pulls off the rare trick of being a genuine local, packed with villagers, but thoroughly warm and welcoming to visitors, too.”

Licensee Peter Scragg has only been at the pub for five weeks.

Peter said: “It’s such an honour to be Britain’s cosiest pub. It really symbolises the charm and character of ‘Ye Gate’ as it is known locally – a warm friendly pub, serving good beer and good grub!”

The pub, which dates back to the seventieth century, can be found off-the-beaten-track reached via lonely roads with nothing but the hills of the Peak District on either side. A frequented watering hole for walkers resting up after trekking along the High Peak Trail, visitors enjoy a blackboard menu that ranges from old pub favourites like chicken and vegetable pie or Cottage Pie to a modern dish of duck breast in raspberry coulis.