Countryside pub with ‘probably the best beer garden’ in Bristol region

The Rising Sun in Pensford, the Swan Inn in Swineford and the Globe in Frampton Cotterell. Bristol is blessed with gorgeous countryside pubs, many with huge beer gardens, on its expanding borders.

But we’ve discovered a lesser-known countryside drinking spot which is a contender for ‘best beer garden in the Bristol region’ - and it’s a tough task to find.

Around a mile down a narrow and windy country lane, off the A37 near Pensford, is a former hunting lodge used by the Earl of Warwick which nows trades at the Hunters Rest Inn.

It’s an attractive large stone building with a huge two-tiered car park. But the real discovery at this award-winning pub is its amazing garden which is an absolute delight on a hot summer’s day.

The sloping garden has idyllic views across adjourning fishing lakes and crop-filled farming fields. You couldn’t feel more out in the country. In the garden there is a large children’s play area with around 20 large picnic tables scattered on the grass.

Inside the traditional pub is a huge bar with four serving points for different sections of the building, which include a dining area, conservatory and bar.

On the day we arrive, the pubwas selling a new lager called Tarka Four from Devon-based Otter Brewery, priced at £4.70 - and on the hot day it was perfect for quenching the thirst. We also ordered some crispy cheesy chip priced at £5.75.

We didn’t have a full meal, but we heard the Welsh-inspired oggies (giant pasties) were legendary. And we didn’t spend long exploring the large interior of the pub which featured all kinds of antiques on its walls.

The pub is owned by the same people who run the Compton Inn in Compton Dando, and it’s got the awards to show for it. An AA High Commended certificate and a Hotels Combined recognition of excellence were among its gongs.

But for us, it was all about relaxing outside in the peaceful garden with a cold beer. Best beer garden in the Bristol region? Could be.

Hunters Rest Inn, King Lane, Clutton Hill, Clutton, Bristol BS39 5QL