As Christmas approaches and the desire for warm, welcoming retreats grows, new research has pinpointed the ultimate destination for a quintessentially British winter experience. Beavertown Brewery's inaugural Cosy Pub Index has officially named Staffordshire as the nation's top region for cosy pubs, boasting an impressive 230 festive venues.
The Cosy Pub Index: How the Rankings Were Decided
The study, which comes as online searches for "cosy pubs" surge by nearly 50%, assessed establishments across multiple criteria to capture the essence of winter warmth. Beavertown Brewery's team evaluated key factors including ceiling height, ambient lighting, overall warmth, and the extent of festive decoration to compile their rankings.
Staffordshire emerged as the clear leader with 230 qualifying pubs, a result that may surprise those who associate premier pub culture with other parts of the country. The county was closely followed by Derbyshire in second place with 196 cosy venues, and Cheshire in third with 188. Cornwall secured fourth position with 186 pubs, while North Yorkshire rounded out the top five with 182 cosy spots, according to the report.
Staffordshire's Top-Rated Cosy Pubs
A look at Staffordshire's highest-rated pubs on platforms like TripAdvisor reveals a collection of establishments that have been quietly building an excellent reputation. Topping the list is Osmar's Table at The Fox Inn in Dosthill, which holds a stellar 4.9-star rating. Patrons consistently praise its "warm atmosphere" and a menu perfectly suited for seasonal gatherings.
In close contention is The Feathers Inn in Lichfield, celebrated for its relaxed vibe, hearty food, and lively evenings. The highly sought-after Lazy Trout in Meerbrook takes third place, known for being frequently fully booked and offering a traditional pub atmosphere complemented by stunning views of the surrounding hills.
The list continues with The Masons Arms in Stoke-on-Trent, described by visitors as "a gem of a pub", and The Blue Mugge in Leek, a delightful and affordable local favourite renowned for its "fantastic" vibe.
A Northern 'Cosy Pub Corridor' and National Trends
The comprehensive index reveals a distinct geographical trend, with the North and Midlands dominating the top positions for cosy pub retreats. The South East, perhaps surprisingly, ranked lower in the listings. The research also identified a potential "cosy pub corridor" for travellers, stretching from Cheshire through Derbyshire and Staffordshire, then into Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
Elsewhere in the UK, cosy Scottish destinations like Glasgow and Edinburgh offered 169 and 139 winter-friendly pubs respectively. In the South West, Dorset (with 169 pubs) outperformed Devon (161), though both trailed behind Cornwall's strong showing.
Sam Millard, Head of Innovation at Beavertown Brewery, commented on the findings. "Everyone's got a favourite pub they love to escape to when the cold hits," he said. "Winter is when pubs become rituals. It's hard to resist the glow coming from a window filled with condensation, and the UK pub scene is arguably one of the best places in the world to throw your coat down onto a bench and keep warm with friends."
The study, published on 21 December 2025, provides a timely guide for those seeking the perfect festive sanctuary, confirming Staffordshire's status as Britain's surprising and deserving cosy pub capital.
