The Real Ale Classroom is a one-of-a-kind micropub that sets the bar for ale aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Sprung from the inventive minds of former school teachers Ian Martin and Steve Tabbernor, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a cask or craft beer, especially for those coming from an invigorating stroll through the beautiful countryside or following Lutterworth Heritage Trail. This pub strikes an irresistible balance between its warm, snug atmosphere and its pleasant beer garden – a dreamy spot for savouring a pint on a sunny day. As you enter, the welcoming ambience hits you like a sip of a well-brewed ale; it’s comforting, familiar and flavoursome, much like the brews that fill their casks and kegs. Indeed, their beer selection is a masterclass in ale curation, spanning velvety porters, full-bodied stouts, malty bitters and hoppy pale ales. Each brew is carefully vetted before it graces their custom-made cooler, which preserves the ale (and real cider) at a perfect 10-12c. You can sample their ever-changing blackboard beer menu in 1/3 pints to explore a variety of brews. But if beer isn’t quite your thing, they’ve still got you covered with a wide array of real ciders, wines, gins and soft drinks that will tickle your fancy.

Tantalising local delights from the likes of Enderby’s Mill Hill Brew Co, Loughborough’s Charnwood Brewery, Thorpe Langton’s Langton Brewery, Hallaton’s Bottle Kicking Cider Co and Wellingborough’s Saxby Cider await you. The micropub’s nibbles, accompanied by a pint or two, are the perfect end to your countryside sojourn. So come on down, take a seat on one of the science lab-style stools, and give yourself permission to unwind in this unique ale-infused sanctuary, where the only homework is to relish every sip.

Set in the heart of Lutterworth, The Fox Inn is a family-run pub that combines the charm of a traditional village pub with the appeal of an authentic Thai restaurant. In the summer, you’ll be drawn to the award-winning two-tier beer garden – a space as perfect for family gatherings as it is for quiet pints with friends. Or if you visit in winter, you’ll be welcomed by the warmth of open fires.

The Fox Inn – recently named a ‘Summer Pub of the Year’ by CAMRA – serves up a solid range of cask and keg beers, ensuring there’s something for all beer enthusiasts. And when it comes to food, there’s an exciting twist. The pub’s restaurant, operated by Sawasdee Thai, serves authentic Thai food. With dishes like Red Thai Curry and Spicy Stir-Fried Basil Chicken, your tastebuds will journey eastwards while sitting in this cosy corner of south Leicestershire.

Craving a traditional Sunday roast? The Fox has you covered as Street Bistro takes the kitchen’s helm, dishing up comforting, home-style roasts. The Fox Inn is waiting to welcome you into its friendly, vibrant atmosphere with the range of cask ales, from classic Draught Bass to Sharp’s Doom Bar as your perfect accompaniment.

At E & R Tearoom in Lutterworth, time seems to slow as you indulge in hearty food, loose-leaf teas and simple pleasures! This place epitomises the traditional English cafe, offering a comforting and quaint environment to enjoy classic British snacks, breakfasts, brunches and lunches. It’s an ideal place to refuel and relax before, during or after a local walk. As you enter, you’ll take in the aroma of fresh coffee, baking and brewing tea. The interior is characterised by floral tablecloths and soft pastel colours, evoking a serene atmosphere. To add to the traditional flavour, E & R Tearoom takes pride in serving loose-leaf teas in proper teapots and delicate china cups. As you gaze at the menu, the world outside momentarily fades away, replaced by the comforting hum of hushed conversations and the clink of china cups. You’re transported to an era where life’s pace was more leisurely, afternoon teas were an event to be cherished, and service was warm, friendly and personable. For those visiting earlier in the day, the cafe offers a hearty Full English breakfast made with high-quality ingredients sourced locally – including sausages from the neighbourhood butcher. Other menu items include baked potatoes with various fillings like beans, tuna mayo and coleslaw, accompanied by a side salad. You can choose from various home-cooked quiches and sandwiches as the day progresses.Sweet-toothed walkers have a mouthwatering array of options, including delightful ice cream milkshakes, scones and cakes. And if you’re a fan of afternoon tea (or Prosecco Afternoon Tea), you’re in for a treat.

E & R Tearoom is a good option for anyone looking for a blend of tradition, friendly service, flavour and a comfortable environment.

At the heart of the picturesque Cotesbach Estate, hidden among the rolling countryside near Lutterworth, lies The Yard Cafe. A captivating fusion of charm and warmth, this rustic gem is housed within a carefully restored Victorian stable block. The Yard Cafe is an oasis for those seeking sustenance with a dash of authenticity. Local ingredients form the menu’s backbone, whether you’re in the mood for a satisfying breakfast ciabatta featuring succulent sausages sourced from the neighbouring Jason’s Organic Butchery or a robust lunch infused with the seasonal goodness of Cotesbach’s own organic garden. Expect an evolving menu that respects the changing seasons, bringing you hearty homemade soups, creative salads, hand-crimped pasties and their renowned quiches. And the sweetness doesn’t end with their charming hospitality. The Yard’s resident baker weaves magic into daily specials – think irresistibly gooey flapjacks speckled with locally picked fruits, indulgent brownies and a tangy lemon polenta cake to make your taste buds sing.

Regardless of the season, The Yard Cafe provides a cosy respite. In winter, the crackle of the wood burner warms the heart as much as the body, while the sunnier months find the doors thrown wide open, revealing a serene courtyard brimming with blooming flowers and the promise of a tranquil meal under the shade. Accompany your meal with a cup of their artisan teas or freshly ground coffee, and don’t worry if you have special dietary needs – The Yard’s considerate menu includes gluten-free and dairy-free options.

When walking near Cotesbach, make The Yard Cafe your haven – it’ll be a delicious interlude on your countryside ramble.