The Nevill Arms

Set in Leicestershire's Welland Valley, this boutique hotel and pub blends original character and contemporary chic with impeccable countryside credentials

- Charlotte Mackaness

CARRYING off the role of both boutique hotel and vibrant village boozer isn’t easy but The Nevill Arms in Medbourne, Leicestershire manages it with aplomb. Any night of the week the pub will be busy with locals and the car park bursting with 4x4s more than familiar with offroading. However, beyond the bustling bar and its chalkboards advertising quiz nights and supper club specials is a restaurant and 10 bedrooms with an offering that could never be described as provincial.

The village of Medbourne is nestled between the market towns of Market Harborough and Uppingham in the heart of the Welland Valley, which has been dubbed ‘the Notswolds’ thanks to it being every bit as pretty as the Cotwolds but without hordes of visitors. "I always say to people that the Welland Valley is the loveliest place within an hour of London they won’t have heard of," jokes Ellie Uppal, who grew up locally and is involved with the running of The Nevill Arms.