Godwin Pub and Hotel in Bartestree outlines new future

The Godwins Hotel and Pub just off the A438 through Bartestree on the way into Hereford is now under management of The Rest Group, a family operated development and management company who look after hotels across the UK.

The group own other hotels such as The Lodge in the Cotswold village of Broadway, but here in Herefordshire, The Godwins now has a new pub grub menu and serving ales from nearby breweries such as Wye Valley Brewery and cider from Westons.

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Martyn Brett, 42, is the new general manager of the venue just one month into his new position. Originally from Northampton, Martyn has been in Hereford for around two and a half years and has high hopes for The Godwins going forward.

"I hope it becomes a more integral part of the community, Martyn said. I was brought up in a village, so I know that the village pub is at the heart of any village. Godwins has so much potential with a great outdoor space and it's an amazing building."

Martyn Brett says The Godwins has huge potential (Image: Will Luker) The dining area of the pub (Image: Will Luker) It is a Grade II listed building and was built in 1879 by William Henry Godwin the owner of the famous tile manufacturing firm of Messrs William Godwin and Sons, which was founded in nearby Lugwardine in 1848. 

Martyn said: "I think people love it and it gets compared to Bates Motel, which I don't mind! I do know that some people are not quite sure if this is a pub but then when they do spend time here they have really enjoyed their time."

The kitchen had to be shut temporarily but now alongside six other staff members, Martyn hopes to make the food consistent but on a slightly smaller scale.

Some food you can expect include pizzas, scampi and chips and pie dishes supplied by Pieminister. Martyn has experience of hospitality for 28 years and was formerly a restaurant manager at the Beefy Boys.

One of the features of the pub is the dragon carved in the tree. Martyn says a lot of people now know Godwins as the pub with the dragon in the tree, quite a spot from the main road! (Image: Will Luker)"I'm  really happy that local I've spoken too are happy with the kitchen we're providing, Martyn adds. Some have seen the new menu and have said this is the perfect menu for a pub. Everyone has been really welcoming and I hope this can be somewhere for everyone in the village and in Hereford can come and have a drink."

Seven rooms are available in total for people to stay the night, and while they may not get a full English breakfast, a complimentary continental is on offer as part of the room cost only. The venue will be hosting a family fun day on Bank Holiday Monday August 25, a chance for Martyn and the Godwins team to get to know the Bartestree community more.

Martyn adds: "We're still getting regular hotel guests which is great and thankfully the venue is still getting attention, so I hope families and locals can enjoy what we're offering to the community."