Filkins is the kind of Cotswold village that almost feels secret – a place where silence is as much a feature as the honeyed stone buildings. The quaint village holds nothing more than a small post office, a tiny shop and the charming Cotswold Woollen Weavers, a historic textile mill that adds to the rural appeal. The Five Alls pub has a mix of old-world charm and thoughtful modern touches, fitting into Filkins perfectly, and making it a great spot for a weekend break or a passing through meal.
The pub looks every bit the traditional local – low ceilings, thick stone walls, and that unmistakable warmth that draws you in. The owners deep appreciation for animals, adding to the cosy, welcoming atmosphere also helps to make the pub feel like home. This love extends to the way they treat their guests, with thoughtful details like dog-friendly touches throughout, ensuring that everyone – two or four-legged – feels well looked after. Even Dougal, the pub cat, seems to embody the relaxed, easy-going charm that defines the place.
Beyond the wonderfully heated garden, the pub’s rear has been carefully converted into eight luxurious rooms, blending Cotswold charm with all the comforts you’d expect from a boutique stay. Vintage furniture meets modern indulgences, with beds that seem to envelop you in their crisp sheets, promising a deep, restorative sleep. There’s a cosiness here that’s hard to replicate, making the rooms feel more like a stay in an old friend’s country home than a hotel.
Then, of course, there’s the food. The Five Alls kitchen turns out dishes that are both rustic and refined. The menu takes familiar comforts and elevates them – like the trout pâté where the staff take local fish and delicately smoke it, brightening it again with citrus, or the crispy duck salad, where rich plum and peppery watercress perfectly balance one another. For a main, the pork belly is irresistibly tender, served with buttery greens and a rich red wine jus, offering the ultimate in comfort food. And for dessert, The Five Alls coffee panna cotta is a smooth, velvety invention, with a light amaretto crumble adding just the right amount of crunch.
Despite the sophistication of the food, The Five Alls never feels pretentious. There’s a warm, communal energy here, largely due to the tireless efforts of the owners and staff, who always seem to be one step ahead of your needs. Whether you’re popping in for a pint or staying the weekend, you’ll feel as though you’ve been welcomed home.
If you’re after a break that combines laid-back luxury with the comforts of a well-loved village pub, The Five Alls in Filkins might just be your perfect escape.
