Guest Writer By Darcy Fowler, Guest Writer
When it came to planning our honeymoon, we knew a traditional beach resort wasn’t for us, as my partner being from outside of the UK wanted to experience my culture first-hand. Instead of doing the classic thing of going to a sunny country near a beach, we wanted to explore the culture that British pubs have to offer. We envisioned a journey that would take us from London’s vibrant streets to the rolling green hills of the countryside, with each stop offering a new story and a fresh pint.
Our idea was to make our first trip as a married couple a grand tour of Britain’s cosiest pubs and, who knows, maybe it’d convince my partner to apply for a spouse visa to make their stay permanent (it did). Find out more about our trip by reading this diary entry.
London’s Historic Drinking Holes
We started our pub tour on Fleet Street at the legendary Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a labyrinthine tavern that felt like a secret from another century. Navigating its multi-level interior, we found a quiet nook where we could share a pie and a pint.
Just a short walk away, we found ourselves at The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden. The gas lanterns and cosy corners in this pub were perfect for a romantic escape. We held hands and toasted to our new beginning, feeling like it was the perfect destination to get a little soppy and share our emotions. It made for the perfect start to our honeymoon and set the tone for the rest of the adventure.
Manchester’s Authentic Pubs
Our next stop was Manchester, a city that swapped its rolling hills for the roar of industry. We started at The Old Wellington, which felt like a secret Tudor ship wedged between modern glass buildings. This pub was even moved to save it from redevelopment! The atmosphere was loud, friendly and completely authentic.
We also found a great corner in the stunningly tiled Peveril of the Peak, where we traded the Cotswolds’ gentle pace for a pint of ale. It was here that my partner truly started to appreciate the diverse character that makes up British pub life. We visited a few other pubs during our time in Manchester and all of them had their own unique charm.
The Cotswolds’ Taverns
Leaving the city’s buzz behind, our journey took a decidedly more pastoral turn as we arrived in the Cotswolds. The taverns here are the stuff of fairytales with all honey-colored stone, exposed beams and roaring fireplaces. We booked a room at The Ebrington Arms, after reading some great reviews online.
After a day of exploring the rolling hills, there was nothing better than sinking into a leather armchair by the fire, a local ale in hand and sharing stories about our day. The sense of peace and intimacy here was exactly what we needed. Another favourite was The Swan Inn in Bibury, a breathtaking tavern situated right next to the River Coln.
Edinburgh’s Beer Joints
The White Hart Inn was our first stop in Edinburgh and it’s said to be the most haunted pub in the city. While we didn’t spot any ghosts, we certainly felt the history in the air. Another favourite was The World’s End on the Royal Mile, a bustling but incredibly cosy spot where we found ourselves chatting with other travelers and even another couple of newly weds doing something similar to us.
Sharing some whisky and a pint of Scottish ale in these historic havens, we realised that Edinburgh’s pubs felt more grand than the rest of the UK while still offering plenty of local culture. It was the perfect end to our dream honeymoon with my partner firmly set on making the move to the UK afterwards.
Final Thoughts
We loved every place we traveled to in the UK, but which was our favourite? London offered the perfect romantic corners for our first married toasts, whereas Manchester brought the authentic warmth of the North. Edinburgh closed the journey with a great atmosphere and lovely whisky.
However, for its intimacy and quiet romance, the Cotswolds’ Taverns stood apart. Sinking into a leather armchair by a roaring fire at The Ebrington Arms, just the two of us with a local ale, was where we felt most connected and truly at peace.
Our trip proved that the real heart of the UK is found in the simple clinking of glasses at some of the local pubs throughout the country. My partner didn’t just fall in love with the drinking stops, as they fell in love with the life inside them. The goal was achieved, as the spouse visa UK application was submitted shortly after we returned, confirming that a pub crawl is the perfect foundation for a new life together.
