The Howard Arms
Ilmington, Warwickshire
Good Hotel Guide Review
It was nearly Howard’s end in 2015 before two local families stepped in to restore the fortunes of this ‘delightful gem of a pub-with-rooms’, in a village on the northern fringes of the Cotswolds. A creative make-over has preserved the character of the beamed, flagstone-floored bar, a social hub with creaky leather armchairs by a log fire. The walls are hung with fun artwork and old photographs. ‘We did enjoy our night’s stay. We had a wonderful room,’ report readers, who spent the night after a theatre visit in Stratford. ‘It is excellent value for money.’ Individually styled bedrooms have bags of character. Most have a bath and shower, and all are supplied with percolator coffee and gingerbread. The dual-aspect Village Room has a half-tester bed, a view of the green complete with spreading chestnut tree. Study Room, under the eaves, can sleep a family. The imaginative menu includes dishes such as Cotswold lamb, braised gem, wild garlic pesto and aubergine purée. Service is slick and tables hold vases of fresh flowers. ‘Breakfast had a huge choice, with the option of a very full English.’ (Chris and Erika Savory)
Hotel details
Address
Lower Green
Ilmington
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV36 4LT
England
Telephone
01608 682226
Bedrooms
8. 4 in extension, 1 on ground floor.
Open
all year.
Facilities
snug, bar, restaurant, in-room TV (Freeview), terrace, garden (alfresco dining), parking, bar wheelchair accessible, toilet not adapted.
Background music
all day in public areas.
Children
all ages welcomed, under-3s/cots free, extra bed £25, children's menu.
Dogs
allowed in bar and on patio only.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £135, singles from £110. À la carte £45. 1-night bookings sometimes refused.
Other reviews
VisitEngland Five Star Inn
Good Hotel Guide articles about
The Howard Arms
This is a delightful gem of a pub with rooms. We did enjoy our night’s stay in a wonderful room with an en-suite shower. Nicely appointed with real roasted coffee and bottled mineral water.
Breakfast had a huge choice with the option of a very full English as well as other options.
The service was excellent. It was also wonderful to see fresh flowers on the tables and in other vases in the restaurant. These are provided by one of the owners from her own garden.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable experience and highly recommended with excellent value for money.
- Chris and Erika Savory - August 2021
Lovely welcome. Personally run. Staff friendly, helpful, efficient. Large, air, well-heated bedroom but poor reading lights. Housekeeping very good. Pleasant dinner with excellent service. Good breakfast.
- Sue Jenkinson - January 2018
Information Copyright 2022 The Good Hotel Guide Ltd
Comments about The Howard Arms