The Masons Arms, a popular village pub in Meysey Hampton, in the Cotswolds, has been named new pub of the Year 2019 by the Good Pub Guide.
The award follows an extensive refurbishment programme starting in 2015, which saw a £300,000 investment from Arkell’s Brewery and appointment of new licensee, Paul Fallows. The investment created a new purpose-built kitchen and a freshly renovated dining room adjoining a central bar.
As the only Cotswolds pub to receive an award from the Good Pub Guide 2019, the Masons Arms was cited as leading the way in providing a new dimension to the village pub.
Not only does it offer a place for friends to meet for coffee mornings, an alternative work space or post school-run drop-offs, the pub was also commended as striking a strong balance in bringing in new customers with is fresh take on dining, drinking and sleeping.
‘Key part of the community’
Managing director of Arkell’s Brewery, George Arkell, said: “We’re thrilled that the Masons Arms has been named the best new pub by the Good Pub Guide. Paul and his team have done a fantastic job in making the pub a key part of the community, and we’re proud to support him as it continues to flourish. This award really does show that investing time and energy into revitalising a country pub can bring great success.”
Paul Fallows added: “Myself and the team have worked hard to bring a new lease of life back into this village pub, combining the traditions of a Cotswolds village local alongside a fresh contemporary feel for dining, drinking and sleeping.
“To win such a prestigious award is just brilliant, and I speak on behalf of all my team when I say we’re unbelievably excited with this news.”
The Masons Arms is a welcoming, dog-friendly bar that serves well-kept Arkell’s ale, wines by the glass, and a wide selection of gins. The pub stands on the village green, with ample space to enjoy drinks or food outside in the summer months, and has a large open fire and woodburners for the winter.
