Okay it's not a pub or inn, but a classy hotel with a fascinating story. Built in 1728 as a private house, it was turned into an hotel in the 1830's and according to local historians*, was never a coaching inn despite its classic looks. It was an important building nonetheless, used as a court room, a meeting house and a drill hall.
From 1922 to 1932 it had a new proprietor, John Fothergill; author, wit, raconteur and amateur innkeeper (according to the plaque outside). He transformed this local hostelry into mecca for the rich and literary; George Bernard Shaw and H.G. Wells amongst them. He alienated the locals and had a reputation as an outrageous snob. He wrote 'An Innkeeper's Diary', a daily record of the characters and shenanigans during his tenure. (See Bookstore, Other Stuff')
