Inn England – Celebrating the country’s Inns, Pubs and Freehouses
Enjoy England, the consumer facing brand of VisitEngland, is launching its new campaign, Inn England to recognise and celebrate one of the country’s most important National Treasures, the English pub. This year, the great English pub won the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, further cementing the important role Inns and Pubs play in this country.
Partnering with The Publican, the leading trade publication for licensees and their pubs, Enjoy England have built a database of fine pubs and inns around the country, all available at www.innengland.com. The goal is for ‘Inn England’ to become the ideal website for researching and finding pubs and inns across the country to compliment a day-trip, short break or even an afternoon walk!
Pubs and Inns provide more than food and drink. They are an integral part of the English way of life, the cornerstone of many local communities and a great way to discover more about the local way of life, whether it be the amazing local produce on offer on the menu, or the great walks in the area.
English pubs and inns play an important role for tourism in this country, becoming the unofficial ‘out-of-office-hours Tourism Information Centres’ at times and providing visitors with lots of information about the area, from the local history, to what attractions are nearby, to the best walking route for exploring the surrounding countryside.
A true sense of the past lives on in the creaking timber frames, roaring fires and traditional ales, as locals and visitors alike charge their glasses and revel in England’s fine history. Inn England’s mission is to celebrate the opportunity traditional and refurbished pubs and inns provide for domestic and international visitors.
Innengland.com isn’t just about the pub – pubs and inns provide a starting point for great activities in the area such as walks, nearby attractions, amazing view points, unique destinations. Search for a pub or inn by theme, from ‘Family Friendly’ to ‘Most scenic views’ to ‘Most Historic’ and build a day trip or holiday around it. Visitors to the site are also encouraged to rate the pubs and freehouses, leave comments, upload images or simply search for their favourite places.
A guide to England’s inns and pubs:
Family Friendly Dad wants a pint, mum wants a beautiful view and the kids want great fish & chips and lots of fun things to do in the vicinity – InnEngland.com has all of the above and more. The Sun Inn in the heart of Hawkshead is a great base camp for hiking, biking and boating around the Lakes, while The White Swan in Yorkshire is ideally placed for exploring the Moors, Castle Howard and the Flamingoland theme park! For amazing food, history and family friendly gardens all in one place, head to the Shave Cross Inn in Bridport, Dorset which has a play area, goldfish pond and a wishing well.
Best Views There’s nothing quite like enjoying a great view, sitting in a beer garden with a drink in hand. The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is not only one of London’s oldest pubs but also has terrific views, both from the popular terrace and little-known roof-top terrace! Head to the Riverside Inn in Aymestry, deep in the leafy Herefordshire countryside and watch the leaping trout, dragonflies and butterflies flittering about the dreamy River Lugg. The South West of England is well-known for its stunning views, and some of these can be best enjoyed from the Mariners, which sits on the north bank of the Camel River, opposite Padstow, or from the quayside terrace of The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, Devon.
Best for Food Everyone loves the traditional pub grub combos; fish & chips, sausage & mash, yet now England’s pubs have diversified offering not only the old favourites but also exquisite gastronomic delights, earning many across the country Michelin stars. The Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancashire has become a popular foodie destination with a range of delicious ingredients making even the humble ploughman’s lunch a culinary marvel. Combining fine dining with casual drinking, head chef Tony Binks has nailed the gastropub concept at The Barrasford Arms in Hexham, Northumberland with slow roasted caramelised pork shoulder, black pudding and Calvados & sage jus.
Most Historic If it has ‘Olde’ in the name, it tends to be historic! Some great examples are Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham, pouring pints since 1170 and Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans, both of which are contenders for the oldest boozers in England. The Nushell in Bury St Edmunds is officially the smallest pub in Britain, home to the smallest dart board and snooker table and ghosthunters reckon there are at least 20 spirits behind the bar at Ye Olde Man & Scythe in Bolton.
Publican award-winning pubs The Publican magazine knows a thing or two about pubs, and each year awards those inns and pubs that most deserve the recognition. This year saw pubs such as the Atlantic Inn on the Scilly Isles win for Best Newcomer, the Feathers Inn in Northumberland taking the prize for Best Food and Drink and Pub of Year 2009 going to the Royal Standard of England in Buckinghamshire.
For more ‘inn’sider information, get ‘inn’volved at: www.innengland.com
ENDS
For further press information, to request spokespeople or for high resolution images please contact:
Stephanie Boyle / Yolanda Copes-Stepney
Enjoy England Press Office
Tel: 020 8563 3378 / 3379 / Email: stephanie.boyle@visitengland.org / yolanda.copes-stepney@visitengland.org
Notes to editors:
About VisitEngland
· In response to a clear call from industry arising from the 2008 British Tourism Framework Review, VisitEngland has been created as the strategic leadership body representing the public and private sector stakeholders of English Tourism. It works in partnership with VisitBritain, the RDAs and local authorities, and the private sector, creating a national tourism strategy, optimising marketing investment, and developing the visitor experience across England.
· VisitEngland continues to use its Enjoy England consumer brand in the domestic market and will market England under the VisitEngland brand in international markets.
· More information can be found on www.visitengland.com and www.enjoyengland.com
About The Publican
· The Publican is the pub trade’s leading newspaper and website reaching out to over 30,000 each week.
· The Publican run an annual campaign – Proud of Pubs week this year 11th to 19th July and encouarge the national, regional and local media to profile the positive attributes of the pub industry.
· www.proudofpubs.co.uk / www.thepublican.com
For further information on The Publican please call Sarah McGhie on 07967 835294 / sarah.mcghie@ubm.com
