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Telegraph
03-07-2025
- Telegraph
The 10 best pubs in Northumberland
It would be hard to find a Northumbrian village without a pub. Often former coaching inns or drovers' inns, they retain the same sense of welcome and refreshment to allcomers (nowadays, including dogs, cyclists and walkers) but with more comforts. The food may be more refined and the décor smarter but the best still have original features such as exposed-stone walls and toasty fires. Central, of course, are the beers, with many pubs sourcing from within the county boundaries; evocative brewery names to look out for include Hexhamshire, Cheviot, Rigg & Furrow, and First & Last. Northumbrian gins, vodkas and even whisky and rum keep the spirits proudly local, too. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best pubs in Northumberland. Find out more below, or for more Northumberland inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants, things to do and beaches. Find a pub by type: Best for beer aficionados The Ship Tucked in the corner of the village green in tiny Low Newton-by-the-Sea, this whitewashed, one-room pub could equally claim to be 'best for views': the village green, which doubles as its unofficial beer garden, opens to the beach. Beers and lagers, with names such as 'Sandcastles at Dawn' and 'Sea Dog', are brewed next door with, at any one time, between four and five on the bar. With scrubbed wooden floors and tables, the bar has regular folk nights and pie nights. Twice Brewed Inn A five-minute march from Hadrian's Wall, this roadside pub is big and unpretentious with a large L-shaped bar. It's popular with families in the daytime thanks to its spacious beer garden. The six hand-pulled ales, produced in the next-door brewery, constantly rotate – apart from the ever-popular Sycamore Gap pale ale. Others might include Steel Rigg (a porter), Ale Caesar (an amber ale) or the thumping 7.5 per cent wheat beer, All My Friends Are Dead. Try the adjacent Tap Room for a 'taster plank' of three different beers. The Curfew This micro-pub up a narrow alley near the Old Bridge in Berwick-upon-Tweed is easily missed. With its regularly changing cask ales and traditional ciders (between three and four of each at any one time), plus bottled craft beers from around the world, it's one for the ale-curious. The choice could range from a sour fruit beer to a New Zealand Pale Ale or a full-bodied Yorkshire stout. As well as a slip of a bar, there's a covered courtyard; great for summer drinking. Return to index Best for views The Duke of Wellington Inn In the tiny village of Newton, this inn is easily missed, unless you're a local or have heard about its rather good food. The paved terrace, with horizon-stretching views across the Tyne valley, is where you want to be in the warm weather. If it's chilly, you're best off in the dog- and muddy-walker-friendly stone-flagged bar. The bar usually stocks three cask ales plus a good range of gins, including several distilled in Northumberland, as well as a fine choice of single malt whiskies. The Red Lion Inn Half way down Alnmouth's main street, this 18th-century coaching inn's secret card is the rear beer garden. From here there are far-reaching views over the estuary of the River Aln and down the coastline. It's a relaxing spot to enjoy one of the pub's beers, a rotating selection of local craft and traditional ales, or one of its popular Aperol and passionfruit spritzes. There are summer pizzas, too. Return to index Best traditional pubs Holly Bush Inn Away in the National Park, where roads grow narrower and sheep more numerous, this sweet-looking pub, a former 18th-century drovers' inn now tricked out with hanging baskets and window-boxes, delivers a friendly welcome and a proper fire-warmed bar (food is served in the separate dining rooms). The five regular cask ales come from within a 35-mile radius – Grainger Ale, from Hadrian Border Brewery, always 'flies out the door' – with a changing guest ale. Area: Greenhaugh, mid-Northumberland Website: Price: £ The Olde Ship Inn It takes a while for first-timers to adjust to this small, L-shaped bar with its wood-panelling, red banquettes and copper-topped tables. And every bit of wall and ceiling is hung with nautical paraphernalia from lobster pots, model ships and brass clocks, to knotted ropes, lifebelts and naval caps. The polished bar, with its gleaming brass rail, offers up to 10 hand-pulled ales – a mix of local, Newcastle, Yorkshire and sometimes Edinburgh brews. It's cramped but good-humoured and there's a rear terrace overlooking Seahouses' harbour. Return to index Best all-rounders The Angel of Corbridge In the centre of handsome Corbridge, with its chi-chi shops and tearooms, the Angel, as it's affectionately known, is a popular meeting place for locals, whether that's for a morning coffee, lunch or an evening drink. Either take a stool in the large bar with its white-washed plaster walls and scrubbed tables, or hole up in a comfy leather sofa in the fire-warmed, wood-panelled lounge. For a sunny sundowner, the paved south-facing terrace is a perfect spot for people-watching. Four cask ales include a custom-made brew, The Angel's Share. Area: Corbridge, Hadrian's Wall Website: Price: £ The Northumberland Arms This handsome Georgian inn – built by the Duke of Northumberland for guests to his nearby home of Alnwick castle – in the well-heeled village of Felton is a good spot for a quiet lunchtime or early evening drink (later it can get busy with diners). With a modern-rustic style the bar keeps around five real ales plus a cracking cocktail selection. Perfect for sipping while sitting on the small terrace overlooking the River Coquet. The Joiners Arms After a romp on the beach at Low Newton-by-the-Sea, head 10 minutes up the hill to this cute-looking bohemian-decorated pub with its exposed-stone walls, leather banquettes, red-velvet stools, oversized floral lampshades and fake pot-plants. The bar keeps around five beers brewed in the North East, plus a guest ale, but you can be easily tempted by a cocktail such as an Elderflower Tom Collins or Apple Fog Old Fashioned, especially if it's sunny enough for the terrace. Return to index How we choose Every pub, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert My introduction to Northumberland was pretending to be a Roman centurion on a childhood Hadrian's Wall holiday. Now, living near the Wall, I've discovered far more; not least horizon-stretching views, puffins, crab sandwiches, and wild, empty beaches.
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The best riverside pubs across the UK including a moored boat and one ‘that feels like the south of France'
Plus, the best pubs in the UK have been revealed – is your favourite boozer on the list? RIVERSIDE BOOZER The best riverside pubs across the UK including a moored boat and one 'that feels like the south of France' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RIVERSIDE pubs gardens are the ultimate place to cool down from the heat the UK has recently been experiencing. With some located on the banks of rivers and others on the river itself, here are some of the top riverside pubs across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Riverside pubs gardens are the ultimate place to cool down from the heat the UK has recently been experiencing Credit: Google maps Tamesis Dock, London Located on the River Thames, near Vauxhall, Tamesis Dock is a converted 1930's Dutch barge. Whilst permanently moored, the venue hosts live music and events, with both indoor space and an outdoor deck with views of the Thames and city skyline. The Boatman, Windsor Dubbed as Windsor's "only proper pub on The Thames", according to Tripadvisor, The Boatman has views across the river and Eton Bridge. There is an all-weather terrace in case the weather takes a turn, but it is ideal for the sunny, hot weather the UK is currently experiencing. The outside area also has plenty of space, with seating for up to 100 people. The pub is also dog-friendly, so suitable for the entire family - furry friends included. The Ship, London A popular spot among Gen Z in London, The Ship sits on the River Thames in Wandsworth. The outdoor garden is large, with great views across the river and fairy lights hanging overhead to keep the space bright into the night. The pub has been on the banks of the River Thames since 1786 and serves a large variety of London craft beers, premium ales, spirits and wines. White Cross, Richmond Claimed to be Richmond's most iconic pub on Tripadvisor, the White Cross often garners attention for its rather unusual habit of flooding and guests being handed wellies to access the pub. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach The spot boasts views of the Thames, as well as great sunsets in the evening. Tank and Paddle, York Having undergone a £400,000 upgrade, the Tank and Paddle in York has something for everyone. From dog-friendly to showing live music and sports, the pub is loved for having an industrial charm with modern features including a sun trap balcony. Castle Barge, Newark-on-Trent Converted into a pub in 1980, the Castle Barge used to be a grain barge that operated between Hull and Gainsborough. Now, the vibrant spot sits on the river and serves up a range of different dishes and drinks. 8 The Double Locks pub in Devon, for example, is situated on a canal Credit: Google maps Brewhouse & Kitchen, Nottingham Whilst from the front the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Nottingham may just look like a pub on the side of the road, at the back it boasts a sleek garden overlooking the river and Trent Bridge. With over 50 craft beers, it is a great place to watch the world go by. The building used to be a station for the local police force too, and even has a house bitter named the Constable, to honour this. The Tickled Trout, Wye Standing on the banks of the River Stour for more than 400 years, The Tickled Trout boasts typical Kentish architecture with 'al fresco' drinks and dining. The picturesque garden sits almost level with the water and features an expansive lawn. If you lucky, some swans may be paddling nearby. 8 The Ferry Inn in Salcombe, features a pretty walled garden with the water below Credit: Google maps The Pandora Inn, Cornwall Located near Penryn in Cornwall, The Pandora Inn has previously been ranked as among the most stunning beer gardens in the UK. According to The Times, it is one of the UK' s tip eight riverside pub gardens with a "wonderful setting beside Restronguet Creek, a tributary of the River Fal". The Maltsters Arms, Devon Sat on the River Dart, The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, Devon, is a great spot to moor a boat and hop out to enjoy some food and a tipple. The pub dates back to the 18th century and recently announced that former MasterChef: The Professionals champion, Anton Piotrowski, joined them as their executive chef. The Fisherman's Cot, Devon Sitting on the banks of the River Exe in Bickleigh, Devon, The Fisherman's Cot is a cosy inn with a picturesque riverside location. Visitors can enjoy the garden, sat right next to the river itself, and complete with a number of deck chairs and fairy lights. 8 Tamesis Dock sits on the River Thames and features an outdoor deck with views of the city Credit: Google maps Double Locks, Devon For those who love to kayak, this is the spot for you - as you can paddle straight up to Double Locks pub in Devon. The pub is dog-friendly, with a number of different walks and trails around the spot too. But the pub garden is the real treat, sitting on the edge of the Exe-Estuary Trail. There is an abundance of space and seating as well. The Coombe Cellars, Devon Overlooking the Teign Estuary, The Coombe Cellars in Devon is the ultimate sunset spot. The outside space is expansive and allows for great al fresco dining in the summer as you watch the boats bob by on the river. The bar also serves up some great cocktails. 8 In Scotland, The Fiddichside Inn sits on the outskirts of a quaint village Credit: Google maps The Ferry Inn, Salcombe The Ferry Inn in Salcombe sits right above the water, with a pretty walled garden which is met by the lapping waves of the river. The dog-friendly spot also has a live sports bar area for those who don't want to miss out on the latest football game. Throughout the year, the pub also hosts special events and live music. One visitor even said: "What a wonderful place - we could have easily been in the south of France." The Compleat Angler, Buckinghamshire Also sat on the River Thames but further away from the capital is The Compleat Angler in Buckinghamshire. The riverside spot has a restaurant too, that overlooks the Thames. The Times recently explained that the pub "was one of the earliest guesthouses in the country, yet was at risk of overtourism even in Dickens' day — the writer commented in his Dictionary of the Thames that it was often booked out by boating parties." 8 Castle Barge in Newark-on-Trent was converted into a pub in 1980 Credit: Google maps Hope & Anchor, Herefordshire Another spot on the River Wye, is the Hope & Anchor in Ross-on-Wye, in Herefordshire. The waterside boozer is a great stop off for those enjoying activities on the river and boasts a large beer garden on the riverbank. In the evenings, the pub often hosts live music in its bandstand. The garden also has the Hut, which serves up wood-fired pizzas and cakes. The Fiddichside Inn, Scotland Located on the outskirts of the quaint village of Cragellachie, The Fiddichside Inn sits on the River Fiddich. The spot is known for fishing and walking, making the pub the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing pint after your adventure. A modern balcony and sloped garden overhang the river, all next to a pretty brick bridge. 8 At The Pandora Inn in Cornwall the outdoor area sits right t the water edge, allowing visitors to watch the boats go by Credit: Alamy The Distillery, Birmingham Right on the canal, The Distillery in Birmingham has a great outdoor terrace to head to when the sun is shining. The boozer is known as the city's first gin distillery and is just a short walk from the popular Brindley Place and The Arena. The venue has a vibrant gin bar upstairs and a cosy pub downstairs. The outdoor area features numerous tables, all resting on cobblestones. These are the best pubs in London – by the locals who drink in them. Plus, the best pubs in the UK have been revealed – is your favourite boozer on the list?
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The best riverside pubs across the UK including a moored boat and one ‘that feels like the south of France'
RIVERSIDE pubs gardens are the ultimate place to cool down from the heat the UK has recently been experiencing. With some located on the banks of rivers and others on the river itself, here are some of the top riverside pubs across the country. Advertisement 8 Riverside pubs gardens are the ultimate place to cool down from the heat the UK has recently been experiencing Credit: Google maps Tamesis Dock, London Located on the River Thames, near Vauxhall, Tamesis Dock is a converted 1930's Dutch barge. Whilst permanently moored, the venue hosts The Boatman, Windsor Dubbed as Windsor's "only proper pub on The Thames", according to Tripadvisor, The Boatman has views across the river and Eton Bridge. There is an all-weather terrace in case the weather takes a turn, but it is ideal for the sunny, hot weather the UK is currently experiencing. Advertisement Read more on pubs The outside area also has plenty of space, with seating for up to 100 people. The pub is also dog-friendly, so suitable for the entire family - furry friends included. The Ship, London A popular spot among Gen Z in London, The Ship sits on the River Thames in Wandsworth. The outdoor garden is large, with great views across the river and fairy lights hanging overhead to keep the space bright into the night. Advertisement Most read in News Travel The pub has been on the banks of the River Thames since 1786 and serves a large variety of London craft beers, premium ales, spirits and wines. White Cross, Richmond Claimed to be Richmond's most iconic pub on Tripadvisor, the White Cross often garners attention for its rather unusual habit of flooding and guests being handed wellies to access the pub. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach The spot boasts views of the Thames, as well as Tank and Paddle, York Having undergone a £400,000 upgrade, the Tank and Paddle in York has something for everyone. Advertisement From dog-friendly to showing live music and sports, the pub is loved for having an industrial charm with modern features including a sun trap balcony. Castle Barge, Newark-on-Trent Converted into a pub in 1980, the Castle Barge used to be a grain barge that operated between Hull and Gainsborough. Now, the vibrant spot sits on the river and serves up a range of different dishes and drinks. 8 The Double Locks pub in Devon, for example, is situated on a canal Credit: Google maps Advertisement Brewhouse & Kitchen, Nottingham Whilst from the front the Brewhouse & Kitchen in With over 50 craft beers, it is a great place to watch the world go by. The building used to be a station for the local police force too, and even has a house bitter named the Constable, to honour this. The Tickled Trout, Wye Standing on the banks of the River Stour for more than 400 years, The Tickled Trout boasts typical Kentish architecture with 'al fresco' Advertisement The picturesque garden sits almost level with the water and features an expansive lawn. If you lucky, some swans may be paddling nearby. 8 The Ferry Inn in Salcombe, features a pretty walled garden with the water below Credit: Google maps The Pandora Inn, Cornwall Located near Penryn in Cornwall, The Pandora Inn has previously been ranked as among the most stunning beer gardens in the UK. Advertisement According to The Times, it is one of the UK' s tip eight riverside pub gardens with a "wonderful setting beside Restronguet Creek, a tributary of the River Fal". The Maltsters Arms, Devon Sat on the River Dart, The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, Devon, is a great spot to moor a boat and hop out to enjoy some food and a tipple. The pub dates back to the 18th century and recently announced that former The Fisherman's Cot, Devon Sitting on the banks of the River Exe in Bickleigh, Devon, The Fisherman's Cot is a cosy inn with a Advertisement Visitors can enjoy the garden, sat right next to the river itself, and complete with a number of deck chairs and fairy lights. 8 Tamesis Dock sits on the River Thames and features an outdoor deck with views of the city Credit: Google maps Double Locks, Devon For those who love to kayak, this is the spot for you - as you can paddle straight up to Double Locks pub in Devon. The pub is dog-friendly, with a number of different walks and trails around the spot too. Advertisement But the pub garden is the real treat, sitting on the edge of the Exe-Estuary Trail. There is an abundance of space and seating as well. The Coombe Cellars, Devon Overlooking the Teign Estuary, The Coombe Cellars in Devon is the ultimate sunset spot. The outside space is expansive and allows for great summer as you watch the boats bob by on the river. Advertisement The bar also serves up some great cocktails. 8 In Scotland, The Fiddichside Inn sits on the outskirts of a quaint village Credit: Google maps The Ferry Inn, Salcombe The Ferry Inn in Salcombe sits right above the water, with a pretty walled garden which is met by the lapping waves of the river. The dog-friendly spot also has a live sports bar area for those who don't want to miss out on the latest football game. Advertisement Throughout the year, the pub also hosts special events and live music. One visitor even said: "What a wonderful place - we could have easily been in the south of France." The Compleat Angler, Buckinghamshire Also sat on the River Thames but further away from the capital is The Compleat Angler in The riverside spot has a restaurant too, that overlooks the Thames. Advertisement Dictionary of the Thames that it was often booked out by boating parties." 8 Castle Barge in Newark-on-Trent was converted into a pub in 1980 Credit: Google maps Hope & Anchor, Herefordshire Another spot on the River Wye, is the Hope & Anchor in Ross-on-Wye, in Herefordshire. The waterside boozer is a great stop off for those enjoying activities on the river and boasts a large beer garden on the riverbank. Advertisement In the evenings, the pub often hosts live music in its bandstand. The garden also has the Hut, which serves up wood-fired pizzas and cakes. The Fiddichside Inn, Scotland Located on the outskirts of the The spot is known for fishing and walking, making the pub the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing pint after your adventure. Advertisement A modern balcony and sloped garden overhang the river, all next to a pretty brick bridge. 8 At The Pandora Inn in Cornwall the outdoor area sits right t the water edge, allowing visitors to watch the boats go by Credit: Alamy The Distillery, Birmingham Right on the The boozer is known as the city's first gin distillery and is just a short walk from the popular Brindley Place and The Arena. Advertisement The venue has a vibrant gin bar upstairs and a cosy pub downstairs. The outdoor area features numerous tables, all resting on cobblestones. These are the Plus, the best pubs in the UK have been revealed – is your favourite boozer on the list? Advertisement 8 Also sat on the River Thames but further away from the capital is The Compleat Angler in Buckinghamshire Credit: Alamy
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
The best riverside pubs across the UK including a moored boat and one ‘that feels like the south of France'
RIVERSIDE pubs gardens are the ultimate place to cool down from the heat the UK has recently been experiencing. With some located on the banks of rivers and others on the river itself, here are some of the top riverside pubs across the country. 8 Tamesis Dock, London Located on the River Thames, near Vauxhall, Tamesis Dock is a converted 1930's Dutch barge. Whilst permanently moored, the venue hosts live music and events, with both indoor space and an outdoor deck with views of the Thames and city skyline. The Boatman, Windsor Dubbed as Windsor's "only proper pub on The Thames", according to Tripadvisor, The Boatman has views across the river and Eton Bridge. There is an all-weather terrace in case the weather takes a turn, but it is ideal for the sunny, hot weather the UK is currently experiencing. The outside area also has plenty of space, with seating for up to 100 people. The pub is also dog-friendly, so suitable for the entire family - furry friends included. The Ship, London A popular spot among Gen Z in London, The Ship sits on the River Thames in Wandsworth. The outdoor garden is large, with great views across the river and fairy lights hanging overhead to keep the space bright into the night. The pub has been on the banks of the River Thames since 1786 and serves a large variety of London craft beers, premium ales, spirits and wines. White Cross, Richmond Claimed to be Richmond's most iconic pub on Tripadvisor, the White Cross often garners attention for its rather unusual habit of flooding and guests being handed wellies to access the pub. The spot boasts views of the Thames, as well as great sunsets in the evening. Tank and Paddle, York Having undergone a £400,000 upgrade, the Tank and Paddle in York has something for everyone. From dog-friendly to showing live music and sports, the pub is loved for having an industrial charm with modern features including a sun trap balcony. Castle Barge, Newark-on-Trent Converted into a pub in 1980, the Castle Barge used to be a grain barge that operated between Hull and Gainsborough. Now, the vibrant spot sits on the river and serves up a range of different dishes and drinks. 8 Brewhouse & Kitchen, Nottingham Whilst from the front the Brewhouse & Kitchen in Nottingham may just look like a pub on the side of the road, at the back it boasts a sleek garden overlooking the river and Trent Bridge. With over 50 craft beers, it is a great place to watch the world go by. The building used to be a station for the local police force too, and even has a house bitter named the Constable, to honour this. The Tickled Trout, Wye Standing on the banks of the River Stour for more than 400 years, The Tickled Trout boasts typical Kentish architecture with 'al fresco' drinks and dining. The picturesque garden sits almost level with the water and features an expansive lawn. If you lucky, some swans may be paddling nearby. 8 The Pandora Inn, Cornwall Located near Penryn in Cornwall, The Pandora Inn has previously been ranked as among the most stunning beer gardens in the UK. According to The Times, it is one of the UK' s tip eight riverside pub gardens with a "wonderful setting beside Restronguet Creek, a tributary of the River Fal". The Maltsters Arms, Devon Sat on the River Dart, The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay, Devon, is a great spot to moor a boat and hop out to enjoy some food and a tipple. The pub dates back to the 18th century and recently announced that former MasterChef: The Professionals champion, Anton Piotrowski, joined them as their executive chef. The Fisherman's Cot, Devon Sitting on the banks of the River Exe in Bickleigh, Devon, The Fisherman's Cot is a cosy inn with a picturesque riverside location. Visitors can enjoy the garden, sat right next to the river itself, and complete with a number of deck chairs and fairy lights. 8 Double Locks, Devon For those who love to kayak, this is the spot for you - as you can paddle straight up to Double Locks pub in Devon. The pub is dog-friendly, with a number of different walks and trails around the spot too. But the pub garden is the real treat, sitting on the edge of the Exe-Estuary Trail. There is an abundance of space and seating as well. The Coombe Cellars, Devon Overlooking the Teign Estuary, The Coombe Cellars in Devon is the ultimate sunset spot. The outside space is expansive and allows for great al fresco dining i n the summer as you watch the boats bob by on the river. The bar also serves up some great cocktails. The Ferry Inn, Salcombe The Ferry Inn in Salcombe sits right above the water, with a pretty walled garden which is met by the lapping waves of the river. The dog-friendly spot also has a live sports bar area for those who don't want to miss out on the latest football game. Throughout the year, the pub also hosts special events and live music. One visitor even said: "What a wonderful place - we could have easily been in the south of France." The Compleat Angler, Buckinghamshire Also sat on the River Thames but further away from the capital is The Compleat Angler in Buckinghamshire. The riverside spot has a restaurant too, that overlooks the Thames. The Times recently explained that the pub "was one of the earliest guesthouses in the country, yet was at risk of overtourism even in Dickens' day — the writer commented in his Dictionary of the Thames that it was often booked out by boating parties." Hope & Anchor, Herefordshire Another spot on the River Wye, is the Hope & Anchor in Ross-on-Wye, in Herefordshire. The waterside boozer is a great stop off for those enjoying activities on the river and boasts a large beer garden on the riverbank. In the evenings, the pub often hosts live music in its bandstand. The garden also has the Hut, which serves up wood-fired pizzas and cakes. The Fiddichside Inn, Scotland Located on the outskirts of the quaint village of Cragellachie, The Fiddichside Inn sits on the River Fiddich. The spot is known for fishing and walking, making the pub the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing pint after your adventure. A modern balcony and sloped garden overhang the river, all next to a pretty brick bridge. 8 The Distillery, Birmingham Right on the canal, The Distillery in Birmingham has a great outdoor terrace to head to when the sun is shining. The boozer is known as the city's first gin distillery and is just a short walk from the popular Brindley Place and The Arena. The venue has a vibrant gin bar upstairs and a cosy pub downstairs. The outdoor area features numerous tables, all resting on cobblestones. These are the best pubs in London – by the locals who drink in them. Plus, the best pubs in the UK have been revealed – is your favourite boozer on the list? 8
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Clacton-on-Sea driver braves journey with snake inside his car
A driver had the most anxious car journey of his life after a snake slithered into his Bowen spotted the slippery customer as he returned from shopping in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on 49-year-old quickly lost sight of the reptile but, needing to get to work at a pub on time, had no choice but to get behind the wheel."I was wearing shorts and every draught on my legs felt like a snake - it was horrible," said Mr Bowen, who managed to get back unscathed. He first saw the animal as he returned to his Ford Fiesta outside a Tesco supermarket in the town."I went to open the driver-side door and something slithered inside," said Mr Bowen, admitting he then made a commotion."Everyone was looking at me wondering what was going on. They all thought I was making it up." Despite efforts to tempt the snake out of the vehicle, Mr Bowen decided to face the short drive home as his shift at The Ship in Kirby-le-Soken was fast enlisted the help of fiancée Michelle Fowle, 37, who said: "I thought he was seeing things, so I was in disbelief when I saw it."It's not something you expect to pick up while doing your shopping."Mr Bowen later found the 5ft (1.5m) reptile hiding in the grille of his car while on the way to work."When I arrived, I said to the guys 'There's a snake in the car', and they all laughed," he said."But when they all came and looked they could see it for themselves." The animal has not been conclusively identified, but is thought to be a corn consulting the RSPCA, Mr Bowen and Ms Fowle managed to find someone locally who owned a came and collected the snake, much to the couple's Bowen said it made for a much more relaxing journey home from work."It was a nice feeling driving home knowing it wasn't there any more," he hopes the owner of the snake may now come forward to claim their pet. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
