One of the UK's oldest inns with stunning beer garden and ‘dungeon' named the best pub in England

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

Plus, all the winners of the AA B&B Awards 2025
GO ALL INN One of the UK's oldest inns with stunning beer garden and 'dungeon' named the best pub in England
A HISTORIC inn believed to be one of the oldest in the UK has just been named the best in England by the AA.
The 2025 AA B&B Awards identify the best places to stay across the UK, with a number of different categories.
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The George Inn in Norton St Philip has been named Inn of the Year by AA
Credit: Instagram
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Guests can enjoy lavishly decorated period rooms in the main inn or modern rooms in a separate building
Credit: Instagram
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And outside the inn boasts a garden with an impressive view
Credit: Instagram
And a pub dating back to 1397, when it started out as a wool store, has been named AA Inn of the Year.
The George Inn in Norton St Philip is often thought to be one of the oldest inns in England.
Inside the Grade I-listed Tudor inn, visitors can expect a cosy atmosphere with impressive timber beams and crafted dishes from chef Aimie Harley.
In the main pub itself, the bar is located down a cobbled alleyway and has a wide variety of drinks including a good range of non-alcoholic options.
If you want something more warming, then try the inn's hot drinks, including a cherry chocolate mocha.
Or perhaps you are a coffee fan? Then maybe opt for the iced Cotswolds coffee.
The inn also has a great beer garden with 11 tables to pick from and views across the landscape, including a 14th century church.
There are even spaces available for private hire named The Dungeon, The Board Room and The Norton Room.
For those who want to stay at the inn, there are 13 rooms, each boasting a four-poster bed and period features.
Eight of the rooms are located in The George itself and the other five bedrooms are located in The Plaine across the road.
Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach
One room, called The Monmouth Room, is believed to have been used by the Duke of Monmouth during the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685.
Rumour has it that the Duke sat at a table when a shot shattered the window and narrowly missed him.
On the wall there is a feature which is thought to be original and dates back to the era when the Duke stayed.
Each room comes with a host of goodies including luxury Bramley toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities.
Some of the rooms are dog friendly as well.
Conveniently, there is a whole host of things to do near the inn.
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The inn also has a number of function rooms including one named 'The Dungeon'
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The city of Bath is just a 20-minute drive away too
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The city of Bath is just a 20-minute drive away, where visitors can explore the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent, which recently featured in the hit Netflix show Bridgerton.
Head slightly further afield and you will find Longleat House and Safari Park and the Stonehenge.
In an Instagram post, the pub team said: "We are so pleased that The AA has named The George Inn, one of our Butcombe Boutique Inns, as the AA Inn of the Year at its annual Bed and Breakfast Awards!"
The pub was also recently named on The Telegraph's list of the top 500 pubs in the UK.
Bed and breakfast double rooms cost from £149 per night.
All the winners of the AA B&B Awards 2025
THESE are the top B&Bs across the UK according to the AA Hospitality Awards:
AA INN OF THE YEAR
England: The George Inn, Norton St Philip, Somerset
Scotland: The Colintraive, Isle of Bute, Argyll & Bute
Wales: The Nags Head Inn, Montgomery, Powys
AA RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS OF THE YEAR
England: Restaurant Interlude, Lower Beeding, West Sussex
Scotland: The Dipping Lugger, Ullapool, Highland
Wales: Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon
AA BED AND BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
England: The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay, Devon
Scotland: The Townhouse, Perth, Perth & Kinross
Wales: Ramsey House, St Davids, Pembrokeshire
AA BEST BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR
Roskhill House, Dunvegan, Highland
AA SUSTAINABLE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
The Riverside at Aymestrey, Aymestrey, Herefordshire
AA FRIENDLIEST B&B OF THE YEAR
Broad Bay House, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides
There is also a boost for Brits planning summer staycations, as new rules mean hotels and restaurants will be much cheaper.
Plus, the best B&B in England has been revealed – it's right by the seaside and even Joanna Lumley has stayed there.