The Falkland Arms

Great Tew, Oxfordshire

01608 683653

Whoever said that ale wasn't for women would get a shock if they entered the Falkland Arms, where women chatting over a pint of ale is a familiar sight.

Managed by husband-and-wife team Paul and Sarah-Jane Courage, the 16th-century thatched inn is now owned by Wadworth and is situated 25 minutes out of Oxford city centre. It was a finalist for the Morning Advertiser's Cask Ale Pub of the Year 2004 title, and then winner of the same award this year. Sarah-Jane says: 'I think what people like about the pub is the consistency and the quality of everything we offer the drinks, but also the service.

The bar is characterised by heavy oak beams, a flagstone floor and an inglenook fireplace.

Customers come from all over the world to try its selection of real ales, such as Henry's IPA, Marlow Brewery's Smuggler or Heartley's XB.

There are also six letting rooms available, which are booked up a month in advance over weekends. Throughout the winter months the Courages offer a 10% reduction for one-night room bookings during the week, 20% reduction for two nights and so on. While Sarah-Jane looks after the bar and beer cellar, Paul looks after the food side of the business, as the pub's chef.

'As a real-ale pub we do get a number of lager drinkers coming here wanting to be converted, who come along with ale-drinking friends, Sarah-Jane explains.

'The pub offers just one lager on tap, and no alcopops 'or any other horrible things like that.