Aymestrey, Herefordshire

Where the Herefordshire Table Meets History

A 16th-century inn where the soil, the kitchen and the river are all on speaking terms.

Tucked along the banks of the River Lugg, on the southern fringe of the ancient Mortimer Forest, The Riverside at Aymestrey is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with a passport. This award-winning 16th-century black-and-white inn — all timber beams, low ceilings and four centuries of quiet character — has been welcoming guests since the 1600s, and it shows in the best possible way: a warmth that feels entirely unhurried, entirely genuine.

The food is the undisputed heart of the operation. Steered by chef Andy Link, the kitchen draws from its own garden and smallholding, coaxing dishes of quiet brilliance from the Herefordshire landscape — think freshwater trout with watercress and wild herbs, or smoked salmon croissant with garden-fresh dill and beetroot. Winner of Herefordshire's Best Restaurant 2021 and Great British Pub Awards' Best Sustainable Pub 2022, the accolades are well-earned and, crucially, well-deserved. Every plate tells you exactly where you are.

Retire upstairs to rooms that trade in honest charm rather than hollow luxury — feather-down duvets, Noble Isle toiletries, and in some, beams that have held up the ceiling since the reign of the Tudors. The garden lodges offer a more secluded escape, wrapped in the kind of pastoral stillness that the English countryside does better than anywhere on earth. This is a staycation that will leave you, as the team quietly promises, already planning your return.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

Sustainable practices
Black-and-white inn
Gastropub

Gallery

Inside & Out

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 1

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 2

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 3

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 4

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 5

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 6

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 7

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 8

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 9

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 10

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 11

The Riverside at Aymestrey — interior and exterior view 12

Guest Voices

What They Say

“We love the Riverside and have been eating there for many years now, and have had several special occasions there too. The chef is brilliant, and it wouldn't be the same without George! I have only given the location 4 stars because it can sometimes be a bit tricky parking”

Lorraine Love5/5

“The Riverside delivers a truly delightful dining experience. Beautiful views, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a menu filled with fresh, perfectly prepared dishes that showcase real culinary care. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, adding a personal touch that makes each visit feel special. Whether it’s a relaxed lunch or a memorable evening meal, this place gets it right — great food, great service, and a setting that makes every moment feel a bit more magical. Highly recommended!”

Gary Stoner5/5

“What a welcoming, cosy, romantic, soul warming and indulgent place to stay. The teams hospitality, efficiency, service, accommodation, oldy worldy ambient setting, alongside the food and drinks, was absolutely beyond the meaning of excellence. A superb business which evidently thrives from all of the above offerings, and their eco driven ethos of supporting organic, homegrown and locally sourced products and ingredients, in efforts of sustainability, for the greater good, being close to our hearts. Made a 100% welcomed blessing and enjoyable, memorable experience for us both, for sure! Well done to The Riverside 💚”

Tonia Bowkett5/5

“Visited The Riverside for an anniversary lunch with my wife, our 1 year old daughter and our dog. So happy we chose this place not knowing much about the local area. We were made to feel incredibly welcome and at home throughout our visit. Right from the start a staff member came out to help point out where we could park, and this level of service and warmth continued throughout including a little additional touch for our anniversary. The pub itself felt warm and cosy (we sat in the bar area where dogs are welcome) with a mixture of comfortable seating areas and dining table and a log burner on the go. The food is excellent. Some might say it’s on the on the ‘pricier’ side but I felt it was good value for the quality which is what I really care about. Makes amazing use of local produce - especially Herefordshire beef! Accompanied by a great drinks menu including Herefordshire sparkling wine and local cask ales. Would absolutely make a trip to come back and recommend it to any family or friends visiting the area.”

Ben Hall5/5

“Lived up to and exceeded expectations! Great staff, amazing food, lovely atmosphere and the sauna / hot tub to finish really was the cherry on the cake! Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

Sean Davey5/5