The best Leicestershire pubs featured in The AA Pub Guide

If you live in Leicestershire, you'll know there's no shortage of great pubs in the county in which to spend your precious free time.

However, it can be easy to fall back on your old favourites when you fancy a pint or three.

So if you want to give something new a go, The Pub Guide has revealed its pick of the best pubs in Leicestershire.

Produced by the AA's team of experts, the latest guide features loads of pubs from across the county.

Nine have earned ribbons for making the 'recommended' list, winning various individual category awards for their food or wine.

See the full list below - you might even discover your new favourite drinking hole.

The Blacksmiths Arms

Where: 2–4 Church Lane, Barrow Upon Soar

What the guide says: 'The pretty riverside village of Barrow upon Soar is a bit of a gem, and The Blacksmiths Arms, set on the bustling main street, is a warm and welcoming setting for some excellent gastro pub dining.'

The Bakers Arms

Where: The Green, Blaby

What the guide says: 'Bar snacks are written on blackboards; restaurant dishes include duck liver parfait; Gloucestershire pork cheeks; steak suet pudding; and sweet potato and red lentil burgers.

'It’s an Everard’s house, so expect the Leicester brewery’s Tiger and Beacon real ales, while also from the county comes Bottle Kicking cider.'

READ MORE: Seven best places to live in Leicestershire and Rutland

The Swan

Where: 18 Griffin Road, Braybrooke

What the guide says: 'A lovely thatched pub in a pleasant village setting, The Swan is a friendly place with a focus on food.

'It’s open for breakfast, if you fancy a full English or eggs Benedict, while lunch might bring brie, tomato and olive tartlet followed by beer-battered haddock and chips.'

The Three Horseshoes

Where: Main Street, Breedon on the Hill

What the guide says: 'Inside, numerous original features, old beams, antique furniture and sea-grass matting create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

'A typical menu presents mains such as beef, mushroom and red wine casserole; and cod with garlic roast vegetables.'

The Joiners

Where: Church Walk, Bruntingthorpe

What the guide says: 'Yesteryear’s modest village pub is today’s popular eating place, thanks to Stephen and Tracy Fitzpatrick and their dedicated team. You’ll find stripped oak beams, flagstone floors, an open fire and candles.

'Menus change constantly, with ingredients sourced from wherever Stephen thinks best – beef from Scotland, seafood from Cornwall, black pudding from Clonakilty. Vegetarians might like the butternut squash and sage risotto.'

Tollemache Arms

Where: 48 Main Street, Buckminster

What the guide says: 'An imposing 19th-century, stone-built country inn with a reputation for warm hospitality and good home cooking.

'Flower-decorated tables, old pews and an open fire characterise the rustic yet contemporary ambience.'

The White Swan - PICK OF THE PUBS

Where: Main Street, Shawell

What the guide says: 'Chef Rory McClean used to cook in some of London’s most notable restaurants and his modern British food is worth a detour.

'A starter of sesame marinated beef fillet with wasabi avocado mousse might precede cod loin with artichoke, runner beans and saffron cream. Finish with blackberry parfait or chocolate delice.

'The fixed price lunch menu might feature lobster ravioli or braised beef, beetroot and horseradish mash.'

George Inn

Where: Loughborough Road, Coleorton

What the guide says: 'A traditional, beamed local offering a straightforward proposition: good honest food, three well-kept cask ales, and an extensive wine list.

'Start with crayfish and prawn cocktail, followed by beef lasagne; vegetable dansak curry; or something from the grill. Gluten- and dairy-free options are also available.'

The Geese and Fountain

Where: Croxton Kerrial

What the guide says: 'The Geese and Fountain is named after two features of the village – the natural spring ‘fountain’ and the flocks of geese reared for three generations by the Botterill family.

'The geese, along with other locally farmed produce, often appear on the pub’s menu, as does an ever-changing selection of five hand-pulled local ales and ciders.'

The Cedars

Where: Main Street, Evington

What the guide says: 'At The Cedars you can choose to eat in the restaurant with its panoramic windows overlooking the fountain and pond, dine alfresco in the gardens, or just enjoy a drink in the lounge bar with its leather sofas and relaxed atmosphere.'

Grey Goose

Where: Lutterworth Road, Gilmorton

What the guide says: 'The Grey Goose is a light and airy, contemporary pub popular with families.

'Real ales and ciders are joined by a large selection of wines by the glass in the bar with its log-burning fire, although the emphasis here is as much about the food.

The Black Horse

Where: 3 Main Street, Grimston

What the guide says: 'At the foot of the hill dropping from the medieval church, The Black Horse commands the sloping green in this peaceful village outside Melton Mowbray.

'The trim, flowery garden, alfresco dining area and rich, warm interior reflect this village setting, where Leicestershire produce dominates the menu.'

The Rutland & Derby

Where: Millstone Lane, Leicester

What the guide says: 'Handy for city-centre attractions, the pub is worth seeking out for a craft ale such as Everards, a glass of wine from the 20 on offer, or a carefully prepared cocktail.

'Attention to detail is evident too in the food. Ethically sourced ingredients feature in flavoursome dishes such as beef goulash; a duck Scotch egg; and smoked bratwurst in a pretzel bun.'

The Black Boy

Where: Main Street, Hungarton

What the guide says: 'The Black Boy is set in beautiful countryside and is a magnet for walkers; dogs, though, must be kept outside.'

'Look to the chalkboard for the week’s home-cooked dishes. Typical are goats’ cheese and red onion tart and lamb’s liver with bacon, mash and onion gravy.'

The Fox & Hounds

Where: 6 Somerby Road, Knossington

What the guide says: 'High-quality food and helpful, friendly service are the hallmarks of this 500-year-old pub.

'Set in the leafy village of Knossington close to Rutland Water, the building retains lots of traditional features, and the large rear garden and sitting area are ideal for alfresco summer dining.'

The Falcon Inn

Where: 64 Main Street, Long Whatton

What the guide says: 'The Falcon is located in the heart of a pretty village and is convenient for access from the M1.

'It is a family-friendly, traditional English country pub with lots of character, from the teacup lights to the chairs ‘made of suits and ties’.'

The Royal Oak - PICK OF THE PUBS

Where: 26 The Green, Long Whatton

What the guide says: 'The Royal Oak is an award-winning pub, offering high quality, locally sourced food.

'Charnwood ales, brewed just four miles down the road, are on offer in the smart bar, and the carefully selected wine list has 15 by the glass.

'In the stylish AA Rosette restaurant diners can expect some tough decisions – fresh mussels cooked with chorizo, tomato, garlic and parsley; Mediterranean sharing platter; duck leg confit with Toulouse sausage or a pub classic such as home-made burger of the day.

'Leave room for desserts like warm treacle tart; or chocolate mousse cake.'

The Man at Arms

Where: The Green, Lutterworth

What the guide says: 'Close to the market town of Lutterworth, this large village pub is named after a bequest by the Dowse Charity to the nearby village of Bitteswell in return for providing a ‘man at arms’ for times of war.'

The Swan Inn

Where: 10 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel

What the guide says: 'This Grade II listed free house stands on the banks of the River Soar and has a secluded riverside garden.

'Exposed beams, flagstone floors and roaring winter log fires characterise the cosy bar and dining areas.'

The Staff of Life - PICK OF THE PUBS

Where: Main Street, Mowsley

What the guide says: 'This pub has been in the same hands for over a decade during which time it has been very well looked after.

'The bar has high-backed settles, flagstone floors and a large wood-burning stove. Look up to the ceiling see, not quite where you’d expect it, the wine cellar.

'Children under 12 years are not allowed on Friday and Saturday evenings.'

The Windmill

Where: 4 Main Street, Redmile

What the guide says: 'The Windmill featured in the TV series Auf Wiedersehen Pet and still draws fans of the show.

'A comfortable lounge bar with a fireplace is a cosy place to enjoy a pint.'

The Queens Head

Where: Main Street, Saddington

What the guide says: 'Set in the rolling hills of south Leicestershire with views over Saddington Reservoir, this spacious, family-friendly pub promises a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.

'Everards and a brace of guest ales, plus 11 wines by the glass and guest ciders, are the prime refreshments, while the work of Chris Lewis-Sharman in the kitchen pleases all-comers.'

The White Swan

Where: Swan Street, Sileby

What the guide says: 'Behind the unassuming exterior of this 1930s building, you’ll find a refurbished free house of character.

'Menus change weekly, and there are blackboard specials, too. Sunday lunch is also a popular event and dogs are welcome in the snug bar.'

The Curzon Arms

Where: 44 Maplewell Road, Woodhouse Eaves

What the guide says: 'Traditional and lounge bars, a restaurant, woodburning stoves, wooden floors, a large terrace and a beer garden just about sum up this Charnwood Forest pub.

'Other essentials are the four rotating real ales, hand-picked wines and satisfyingly seasonal British food.'

Stilton Cheese Inn

Where: High Street, Somerby

What the guide says: 'An attractive, mellow sandstone building dating from the 17th century, whose interior frequently prompts customers to liken a visit to stepping back in time.

'Its reputation for good hearty food stems from dishes such as deep-fried fillet of cod; home-made cottage pie; grilled beef and gammon steaks; chilli con carne; macaroni cheese, and regularly changing specials.

'In addition to the food, also attracting custom is the wide selection of wines by the glass or mini-bottle, and locally brewed real ales from Belvoir, The Grainstore, Newby Wyke and others.'

The Griffin Inn

Where: 174 Main Street, Swithland

What the guide says: 'Parts of this welcoming, traditional, family-run country inn date back to the 15th century.

'There are three cosy bar areas serving a range of real ales, two dining rooms, a skittle alley, large patio and ‘secret’ garden with a stream. Menus offer unfussy, internationally inspired food.'

The Bakers Arms

Where: Main Street, Thorpe Langton

What the guide says: 'A pretty, thatched pub set in an equally pretty village, The Bakers Arms has the requisite low beams, rug-strewn quarry-tiled floors, large pine tables and open fires.

'Its weekly-changing menu of modern pub food has gained it a keen local following.'

Hercules Revived

Where: Main Street, Sutton Cheney

What the guide says: 'Named after an 18th-century racehorse, this pub has undergone its own revival; there’s a relaxed and informal bar area serving well-kept ales and a range of gins, plus a cosy and elegant upstairs restaurant with comfortable, stylish seating.

'Look out for the brand-new Woodshed, too – an outdoor dining area with a wood-fired pizza oven, open early evenings in the spring and summer every Monday and Friday, and during the day on a Saturday.

'Back indoors, the talented chefs make everything fresh on site and offer an extensive selection of traditional food with a modern twist.'

The Old Red Lion

Where: Main Street, Welham

What the guide says: 'The airy, split-level, contemporary interior of today’s pub blends well with vestiges of its origins as a coaching inn.

'Views from the windows stretch across this rural corner of Leicestershire where the River Welland meanders through rich pastureland.'

The Wheatsheaf Inn

Where: Brand Hill, Woodhouse Eaves

What the guide says: 'This 18th-century stone inn is located on the edge of Woodhouse Eaves village, close to the Great Central steam railway.

'Local produce drives the menu, while a carefully curated list of wines includes many offered by the glass.'

The Windmill Inn

Where: 83 Brook Street, Wymeswold

What the guide says: 'It may be a traditional village inn but the Windmill has a contemporary feel in both the bar and restaurant, with a mix of wood and stone tiled floors, wood-burners, warm heritage colours and comfortable seating creating the informal scene.'

The Berkeley Arms

Where: 59 Main Street, Wymondham

What the guide says: 'This appealing, stone-built Berkeley Arms is dedicated to sourcing fresh, local produce for the daily-changing menus.

'Well thought out two- and three- course Sunday lunches are a feature.'

The AA Pub Guide 2020 is now available to purchase online and in bookstores for £15.99.