The Horse & Groom

Since arriving in 2005, brothers Will & Tom Greenstock have transformed this Grade II-listed Georgian coaching inn from a faded village boozer into an award-winning pub-with-rooms. The honey-coloured, Cotswold-stone building now boasts a stylish dining room, a light & airy bar, five sumptuous bedrooms & a lovely garden with far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside from its hilltop setting. Full of character & original period features, this is a lively, informal place to relax, perhaps with a Goff's Jouster (the house tipple), one of the guest ales or a pint of locally brewed Premium Costwold wheat beer. Head chef Will’s culinary endeavours & keen sourcing yields satisfying results – think pressed Tamworth pork terrine with homemade piccalilli, fillet of wild sea bass with roasted beef & onion squash or grilled Longhorn rib-eye with mustard & horseradish butter.

The Horse & Groom Inn is a Grade II-listed 16th-century pub and country inn in the village of Charlton, just outside Malmesbury. It combines rustic charm with thoughtful modern touches, offering a relaxed yet polished setting for all-day dining and overnight stays. With its low beams, open fires and flagstone floors, the space feels steeped in history, but the atmosphere is warm, comfortable and unfussy.

The pub includes a cosy bar area, an elegant dining room and a more spacious area at the back known as The Stables, which is well suited for larger groups or private events. Outside, a tree-lined lawn and peaceful paddock make the most of the countryside setting, offering a quiet spot for drinks and meals in the warmer months.
The kitchen focuses on seasonal British cooking, using produce from the West Country and herbs and vegetables from the inn’s own kitchen garden. The menu features a mix of elevated pub classics and hearty favourites, including beer-battered fish and chips made with Butcombe ale, slow-cooked pork belly, seasonal pies and a rotating selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Sunday roasts are a strong fixture, served with all the trimmings and full of comfort.

The drinks list is anchored by Butcombe Brewery’s range of cask ales, alongside a well-chosen wine list and a small selection of classic cocktails. The pub caters confidently to a range of dietary needs, with gluten-free and plant-based options available across the menu.

Upstairs, five individually styled en-suite bedrooms offer a peaceful base for a weekend away. Rooms are light, calm and characterful, featuring roll-top baths, Nespresso machines and plush linens. Dogs are welcome in select rooms, and a cooked breakfast is included, rounding out a stay that feels relaxed and well-considered.

Service is warm and efficient throughout, with staff striking the right balance between attentive and easygoing. Whether you are stopping in for a casual lunch, enjoying a Sunday roast with friends, or planning a countryside break, the Horse & Groom offers a reliable and inviting setting with plenty of personality. It is a classic country inn that manages to feel both familiar and fresh.