Old Gate Inn is Britain's cosiest pub

l Good food, a good pint and a roaring fire — all on offer at the Olde Gate Inn

December 15, 2007: 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.

Mr Protz 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. He 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 17th 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. Call 01629 540448 for more details.

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