Britain’s surprising cosiest ‘pub hub’ has been unveiled and people are stunned

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s the season to snuggle up in a sweater and sit by the fireplace with our loved ones.

For many, the ideal wintery setting includes a dimly lit, warm, and comforting place with drinks and the crackle of fire, providing a refuge from the cold outside.

So it’s no surprise that online searches for “cosy pubs” have surged by nearly 50% this past month – and with this in mind, Beavertown Brewery analysed the country’s best sites based on various factors to find out where the hotspots are.

Considering ceiling heights, lighting, warmth and festive decoration, their Cosy Pub Index crowned Staffordshire as Britain’s number one option for the season, with a remarkable amount of 230 cosy pubs.

Derbyshire follows with 196 spots, then Cheshire with 188, Cornwall with 186 and North Yorkshire with 182.

Staffordshire may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to pub culture, but a quick look at the area’s top-rated spots on TripAdvisor suggests they have been quietly building up their status for a while.

The county’s top-rated pub is Osmar’s Table at The Fox Inn in Dosthill, rated 4.9 stars and celebrated for its “warm atmosphere” and a menu that feels like it was designed for festive gatherings.

Not far behind is The Feathers Inn in Lichfield, praised by visitors for its relaxed feel, hearty plates and lively evenings.

Next up is The Lazy Trout in Meerbrook, a wildly popular spot that is often booked out, according to reviews. Fans claim it offers that classic pub buzz while offering views of the nearby hills.

The Masons Arms in Stoke-on-Trent stands out for being “a gem of a pub”, and The Blue Mugge in Leek rounds up the top 5 as the local choice of a charming, affordable spot with “fantastic” ambience.

“Everyone’s got a favourite pub they love to escape to when the cold hits”, explained Sam Millard, the brand’s Head of Innovation. “Winter is when pubs become rituals. It’s hard to resist the glow coming from a window filled with condensation, and the UK pub scene is arguably one of the best places in the world to throw your coat down onto a bench and keep warm with friends.”

The complete list of counties that make for good cosy pub getaways shows how the North and Midlands dominate the top positions, while the South East of the country is surprisingly lower rated.

Scottish snug destinations like Glasgow and Edinburgh had, respectively, 169 and 139 wintery pubs to offer. In the South West, Dorset (169) beat Devon (161), both behind Cornwall.

The research also highlights a “cosy pub corridor” that might be the best bet for travellers, running from Cheshire through Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and into the Cotswolds.