The Masons Arms

Every good dog walk deserves a good pub at the end of it, and The Masons Arms fits the bill nicely. It’s a traditional village local on the High Street in Meysey Hampton, in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, where Len, Tess and the team are keeping the pub at the heart of the community. You’re just as welcome popping in for a quick pint and a snack as you are settling in for three courses.

Dogs are very welcome in the bar, though not in the restaurant area. That’s no hardship, because the bar is where you’ll find Arkell’s ales on tap, a fire in winter and a warm welcome for dogs and walkers alike. If you’re planning to eat with your dog, skip the online booking and call 01285 850164, and the team will find you a suitable table in the bar.

The kitchen uses locally sourced meats and seasonal vegetables wherever possible, alongside fresh fish and seafood. The menu has pub favourites such as battered haddock, a signature steak and 3Bs ale pie and a homemade Masons classic burger, along with steak frites, pork tenderloin and a crispy Korean fried chicken burger. There’s plenty for vegetarians too, including a beetroot and goats cheese burger and gnocchi marinara, which is also vegan.

Sundays are a serious business, with beef sirloin, pork loin and crackling, chicken supreme and a homemade nut roast. If you can’t choose, the taster roast brings together beef, pork, chicken and a pig in blanket. Do leave some room for pudding, as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownie and lemon posset are all on the dessert menu.

Lunch is served from 12pm to 2pm and dinner from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, with Sunday lunch running from 12pm to 6.30pm. It’s a handy stop if you’re exploring this corner of the Cotswolds too, as the lakes of the Cotswold Water Park are right on the doorstep and Cirencester is nearby. Booking is highly recommended.