Nestled in a lush green Cotswolds valley flanked by nature reserves, you will find the Daneway Inn: a much-loved local pub that has been sympathetically restored and given a new lease of life by Emma and Pete Bradshaw and their young family. It’s the perfect spot for a rural ramble followed by a scrumptious lunch from the all-day walkers menu. The food is simple, seasonal, and beautifully presented, with bowls of hearty chilli; homemade chunky chips served in enamel mugs; and the infamous pea hummus, which even my small reluctant vegetable-eaters devour with gusto!

Before taking over the pub, Emma and Pete spent many years working for Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, including managing the nature reserves that surround the Daneway. They can point you in the direction of the best local walks (we loved exploring through the meadow and alongside the disused canal), and can even tell you where to spot the rare Large Blue butterfly.

Families are welcome, as are dogs: there’s a kennel in the garden, and a jar of dog biscuits on the bar. If you find that you love it so much that you want to sleep there, you’ll soon be able to! The Bradshaw family will shortly be re-opening the Daneway’s small campsite on the banks of the River Frome and also have plans for a shepherds hut. On the August bank holiday, they’re launching an annual Cotswold cider and snail racing festival: the Daneway is certainly one to watch! It’s a gem of a place; set amidst a pastoral idyll, this is a modern pub with old-fashioned values, inspired by passion, and full of heart.

The Daneway Inn, Daneway, Sapperton, Gloucestershire, GL7 6LN
Images by Laura Pashby