Updated for 2026.
The Wye Valley, with Tintern Abbey and its steep wooded gorges, has long inspired poets, artists and adventurers. Its river nourishes the land, providing the perfect conditions for the wild botanicals we use in our spirits.
We're of the mind that spirits taste best where they're made, and that's especially true for our Wye Valley Gin. Enjoying it at one of the riverside pubs, surrounded by the valley's natural beauty, brings out its best flavours.
These are our favourite pubs in the area, with a great atmosphere, good food and drink and often stunning views of the river (no wonder two of them are called The Boat!). Opening hours and events change through the year, so check each pub's own website or social pages before you go.
1. The Boat Inn, Penallt
The Boat Inn, in the Monmouthshire village of Penallt, is arguably the most charming riverside pub in the Wye Valley. It sits right by the water, with the old railway bridge looming above. Crossing this bridge (once part of the Wye Valley Railway) on foot from Redbrook is also the best way to reach the pub. The distance between the pub and the next railway halt at Redbrook was once believed to be the shortest between two stops on the national rail network.
In fine weather, the pub's raised garden, known as "the grotto", is a popular spot to relax and take in the views of the rock-face stream and the river. The pub once served a bustling boat trade, and even today it's common to see passing canoeists stop by for refreshments.
2. The Royal George, Tintern
The Royal George has been part of Tintern since 1598 and a hotel since 1829, a five-minute walk from the abbey. After a careful restoration it's back under its original name, and it's a lovely place to stop whether or not you're staying. Head to the Lower Deck pub for hearty favourites, the Upper Deck restaurant for local Welsh produce, or the garden for freshly baked pizza.
3. Ye Olde Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat West
Ye Olde Ferrie Inn sits right in the centre of Symonds Yat, close to Goodrich Castle and Symonds Yat Rock, with its breathtaking views and nesting peregrine falcons. It's a centuries-old pub that has become a modern gastropub while keeping all of its original charm. The food is some of the best in the area, and in summer the big terrace is an incredible place to watch the river with a Wye Valley Gin and tonic in the sun. You can hire canoes right outside, and the horsebox shop, Wye Go With The Flow, sells hoodies and other merch for River Wye lovers, along with their own Wye Go With The Flow Gin, made in collaboration with us.
4. The Saracens Head, Symonds Yat East
Across the river from Ye Olde Ferrie is The Saracens Head, another centuries-old riverside inn, surrounded by gentle rapids and dramatic cliffs. It's a natural meeting point for hikers, cyclists, canoeists and anglers, and its riverside terrace fills up fast on sunny days. Inside you'll find exposed beams and open fires for when the weather turns. Look up at the hill behind the pub and you'll spot the house from the Netflix series Sex Education, which in real life is a holiday let called the Chalet. The staff also run the hand-pulled ferry across the river, which only costs a few pounds. Ask at the bar and they'll take you over!
5. The Lion Inn, Trellech
The Lion is our closest pub and the heart of the community in Trellech. It's known for its lovely, lively atmosphere, a great Sunday roast and events like Burns Night and gin tasting nights. A great place to stop for lunch after a tour and tasting at the distillery!
6. The Boat Inn, Chepstow
In the historic town of Chepstow, The Boat Inn is a traditional riverside pub with centuries of history behind it. Grab a table on the waterside terrace, with the cliffs of the Wye opposite, or settle in by the bar. They have live music every Thursday night, which turns the place into a lively meeting place for all of Chepstow.
7. The Queen's Head Micropub, Chepstow
The Queen's Head used to be the smallest pub in Wales, and although it has since added a small room at the back, it still has all its micropub charm. Walking in feels like entering someone's living room, and you'll always end up chatting to someone you don't know. It's the friendliest and liveliest pub in Chepstow, with a great selection of beer, from traditional ales to modern IPAs from some of the most inventive breweries in the UK. It was named CAMRA's best pub in Gwent in 2023.
8. The Old Court Hotel, Symonds Yat West
The Old Court Hotel in Symonds Yat West, Herefordshire, is full of historical charm and character. It's housed in a Grade II-listed manor house that was once the home of Lieutenant General John Graves Simcoe, the founder of Upper Canada, and pairs a real glimpse into the past with modern comforts. It's known for home-cooked food and a commitment to local ingredients.
9. The Rising Sun, Woodcroft
This pub was saved by the community after a 10-year fight and is now run by a mix of volunteers and local staff. That campaign won CAMRA's national pub saving award in 2023. The vibe is friendly and community-minded, and there's always someone to chat to. Look out for the memorial to a locally beloved peacock! A perfect place for a full English breakfast before you head out on the Offa's Dyke Path.
10. The Ostrich Inn, Newland
Opposite the church in the Forest of Dean village of Newland, The Ostrich is a Grade II-listed 17th-century inn with one of the most unspoilt interiors in the area: a big stone fireplace, high-backed settles and a famously lumpy ceiling. There's always a good line-up of changing real ales alongside Wye Valley Butty Bach, plus real cider, a generous garden and a menu with some unusual dishes. Dogs are welcome. Note that it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Make a day of it
Pair a pub lunch with a visit to us at the distillery, just up the hill from The Boat Inn in Penallt. Book a distillery tour and tasting, or spend a couple of hours making your own gin on a copper still with Make Your Own Gin. And if the weather turns, see our guide to things to do in the Wye Valley when it rains.