Pub with rooms Whitley, Wiltshire | Pear Tree Inn

Overview

There is a studied air of rusticity to the mellow stone Pear Tree, a pub that would not be out of place on a country estate, where 4x4s, Barbours and wellies blend in more comfortably than many an anonymous city suit.

Set back from the village lane, festooned with wisteria and surrounded by glorious gardens, where fragrant lilacs and cottage roses border manicured lawns, the former 17th-century working farm remains a true country pub, with rug-strewn stone-flagged floors, worn wooden tables and a crackling log fire drawing you into the rustic bar for a cracking pint from the local Bristol Beer Factory.

Following a chequered history and a period of closure, Adrian Jenkins and Jackie Cosens restored the fortunes of the pub back in 2015 through their passionate, hands-on approach - they are natural hosts. Adrian has since developed his kitchen garden and plans are in place to add some quirky cabins (Parsley & Thyme) in the garden, so watch this space.

Rooms from:

6 doubles; £120; 2 family rooms: £145

Good to know

All credit cards taken
Disabled access
Alfresco dining
Comedy nights
Parking available
Dog stay: £12.50

Family favourite

Children are welcome, they have their own fresh food menu and smaller portions can be ordered; Taylors Gold room has a mezzanine with two single bed; Forelle boasts a double sofa bed.

Alfresco

In May/June bag a table under the glorious wisteria on the front terrace, or book ahead to enjoy a balmy summer supper on the rear terrace.

Rooms

Comfort and style sums up the eight contemporary bedrooms, all named after varieties of pears and split between the inn and a beautifully converted barn.

For exposed beams, mullion windows and rural views stay in the inn, otherwise choose the converted barn with the garden on your doorstep, all rooms have upholstered easy chairs, striking statement pear motif wall coverings and Fired Earth tiled bathrooms.

Creature comforts include fresh coffee & milk (in mini flasks), sweets and handmade biscuits, magazines, Smart TVs, clock radios, and bathrobes and posh Bramley Products in the bathrooms.

Restaurant & bar

The heart of the business lies in the kitchen, the food echoing the rustic approach, with Adrian confidently making good use of artisan local produce and quality ingredients that are reminiscent of pub's former life as an estate farm and piggery.

Backed up by Adrian's passion for food, his sound knowledge and cooking techniques, his seasonal bar snack, great value set weekday lunch and dinner menus draw appreciative foodies. Cooking is honest and the style modern and imaginative. Tuck into a dry-aged rib-eye steak, served with roast garlic butter, salad and fat chips, by the crackling fire in the beamed bar, or head through into the light, airy and quirkily furnished Garden Room, where French windows open up for summer alfresco suppers on the rear terrace. Cracking Sunday roasts too.

On tap, you'll find tip-top ales from Bath Ales and local microbreweries, alongside craft beers, Iford hand-pressed cider (Bradford-on-Avon), and boutique gins and vodkas The 'quaffing' wine menu makes interesting reading, featuring small, independent vineyards (28 by the glass).

Things to do

Nearby Lacock is not just about handsome buildings, a fine abbey and centuries of history. Starting in the village, you can sample a choice of fine circular walks of varying grades and distances.

Located just outside Melksham, Great Chalfield Manor is moated medieval manor house with oriel windows and rooftops adorned with striking statues of soldiers, griffins and monkeys. Aside from the house, there are colourful gardens, a spring-fed fishpond and a gatehouse.

Not far away is Corsham where you can take a stroll in Corsham Park, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere and lake views. Also close by are the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Cotswolds, great for country walks. For something a bit different, try Bath, the ideal city for walking. One of its most popular trails is the Bath Skyline Walk, a six-mile loop through glorious neighbouring countryside.