Farmers Boy Inn, Boxbush, Longhope

Farmers Boy Inn official site - www.farmersboyinn.co.uk

This quaint 17th Century pub is situated on the Gloucestershire / Herefordshire border between Gloucester and Ross On Wye. The colourful array of flower baskets and flags certainly do their best to entice the passing motorists into the car park. The main entrance leads directly to the small central bar with areas either side for drinking and eating. There is a larger section the the rear on the right that appears to be for more formal dining. It’s all quite cosy and rustic with low beamed ceilings draped with hops and housing a collection of dangling tankards. The thick exposed stone walls contain a selection of brewery mirrors, various countryfile pictures and farming tools whilst the open fires will be a welcome sight in winter. For the summer months there is an attractive beer garden with childrens area as well as some benches outside the front of the pub. The beers unfortunately aren’t too exciting with 2 ales available, Greene King IPA and the local May Hill Summit plus a selection of kegs and the usual suspects. Prices did seem a bit steep though. On the food front, the pub is noted for its pies which unfortunately I didn’t try. Don’t expect your usual football ground meat pastie – these things are gourmet specialities although they naturally come with gourmet prices. Other main courses are around £10-£17. If you fancy a pie takeaway, what I believe is the old pool table area has now been converted to a deli shop from where the pies can be bought along with cheeses, beers, wines and ciders. Anyone wishing to stay beyond a quick pit stop will find a recently built annexe at the rear offering B&B. Being a rural pub that necessitates a car it’s not really a place that would attract anyone beyond the “special occasion” fraternity and to get the best of the place you probably need go for the full gourmet pie and pint experience. Maybe next time I will.

Farmers Boy Inn official site - www.farmersboyinn.co.uk

A very inviting looking inn from the road, so stopped in for a bit to eat, which was a good idea as the food was excellent. Staff friendly and made you feel very welcome, Abbott Ale was also fab, will call in again.