Masons Arms, Gloucestershire

Overview

Relax and unwind at this rustic stone-built 17th-century pub, a thriving community hub and dining destination with rooms set beside pretty Meysey Hampton's green.

Step inside to find a simple, uncluttered but very stylish interior. The bar oozes charm and character with stripped beams, exposed stone, wood floor, blazing log fire in the stone fireplace and pewter candlesticks on old pine tables.

The equally appealing and very comfortable dining area has old tables, chapel chairs, wood-burning stove and impressive local photographs adorning the walls. The eight upstairs rooms have been refurbished to a very high standard - they are the icing on the cake. Outside, there are a few benches to the front of the pub and a row of picnic benches along the edge of the pretty village green.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £90

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Parking available
Dog stay: Free

Family favourite
Families are very welcome with interconnecting family rooms and smaller portions for children are available, too.

Dog-friendly
Expect a very dog friendly welcome, your canine chums are allowed in the bar and overnight in each of the rooms at no extra charge.

Outdoor adventures
After a welcome cup of tea on arrival, don your boots and enjoy the 40-minute circular walk exploring the surrounding fields and woodland.

Rooms

Refurbished in cool, contemporary style and very much in keeping with the simple, uncluttered feel of the bar and dining room, the eight upstairs rooms are very smart and comfortable.

Think trendy grey hues, exposed beams and Cotswold stone, great beds topped with crisp linen and down with woollen blankets and cushions adding a splash of colour and a charming mix of old pine and painted furniture. Expect, also, quality fabrics, room for an upholstered easy chair, fresh tea, coffee, milk (mini fridge on the landing) and homemade biscuits, fresh flowers, fabulous framed photos of scenes to be seen on local walks, and views across fields or the adjoining Manor House - quieter rear rooms.

Bathrooms are fresh, clean and fully tiled with walk-in showers. The family rooms are great, well thought out, with one having an inter-connecting room with two smart single beds and its own bathroom.

Restaurant & bar

Menus successfully combine pub classics with more contemporary dishes with everything freshly prepared from local and seasonal ingredients in the kitchen.

Pub staples are great to munch on after enjoying the circular walk from the inn - halloumi fries or baked camembert prove firm favourites. Locals love the renowned Masons beef burger, or order the Masons club sandwich at lunchtime to accompany your pint of Arkells Wiltshire Gold.

Gin lovers will rejoice at the lengthy gin list, while the wine list offers 10 by the glass. Doors open from 8.30am for morning coffee (from Rave Coffee in Cirencester), bacon sandwiches and homemade cakes, best enjoyed while perusing the daily papers.

Things to do

Don't miss The Woolpack Inn, an iconic Cotswold 16th century pub. Its long-enjoyed association with Cider With Rosie author Laurie Lee, who was a regular here. The pub is still packed with Lee memorabilia but the excellent food and local ales are reason enough to pop in.

Situated in a secluded part of the Coln valley, the Chedworth Roman Villa, run by the National Trust, dates from around AD 120. Open daily from mid-February to the end of November, it was originally believed to have been a farmhouse.