Vine Tree Inn, Randwick

A secluded gem nestling in the flank of a steep hill with spectacular views of the Stroud Valley and across to Rodborough and Selsley Common. The Vine Tree is the last surviving pub in a village that numbered seven beerhouses in 1839.

The pub still wears the dated maroon livery and signage of Punch Taverns, but do not be deceived (or put off). The pub was purchased from Punch Taverns a by private individual who lives in London and owns other pubs, and is now run as a free house.

Inside, the pub is made up of three interconnected spaces. The public bar area has a dartboard and plenty of standing room. To the left is a sort of snug with a quarry-tiled floor and bentwood benches. It shares a double-sided wood-burning stove with the restaurant area towards the rear. The walls are a mixture of grey-painted matchboard wainscots, rustic stone and artex, the furniture scrubbed tables and wheel-backed chairs.

Outside there is a tiered beer garden with plenty of seating and glorious views across the valley down into Stroud and across to Rodborough and Selsley Commons. More recently this has benefitted from a larger covered area.

The Gents has a collection of Irish-themed prints, the legacy of a former landlord.

Lajos, the Hungarian landlord, had never run a business before, let alone a pub. He fell in love with the Vine Tree when it was offered for lease, initially by Punch. He has thrown his heart and soul into the pub and the community.

The pub is a centre for the village football, cricket, table tennis and darts teams. Local bikers use the pub several times a week and it is a mecca for walkers.

Lajos is the only chef and the menu includes Hungarian dishes such as goulash. His chips recently scored a resounding 9.5 on the Willoughby Chip Scale.

He has a soft spot for Tiley’s beers as he ‘likes the brewer as a person and really likes what he’s doing’.

Opening times correct as of 30/12/2021