It’s that time of year when the kids have returned to school, the harvest is in sight and the nights are drawing in fast. But don’t be downhearted as the summer fades, a great short break and a bit of “you” time is just about to be gin… and we’ll make sure you’ll be ale right on the night, too!

Treat the grown-ups, extend date night into date overnight, get the girls together or spend time with the lads – we’ve got some thirst-quenching suggestions, right on our doorstep.

Nelsons Gin School

Nelsons Gin and Vodka Experience – our kind of school trip!

A mere six miles from the Dog and Doublet, you’ll discover the HQ of the world-famous, 5-star rated, Nelsons Gin and Vodka Distillery School. Each week, from Wednesday to Saturday, they immerse students in the art and precision of gin and vodka creation. It’s a five-hour experience, including a tour, light lunch, tastings and the creation of your very own gin or vodka.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast with us, and we’ll organise your taxi there and back. On your return, how about a little afternoon nap, or a country stroll, then partake in a delicious gastro-pub dinner by the fireside, and a great night’s sleep. This is 100% our kind of school trip!

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National Brewery Centre

Just a Stone’s throw from the brewery

Staffordshire’s brewing heritage is well-documented, the brewing capital Burton upon Trent, home to the National Brewing Museum, is right here in the county. Just 4 miles from the Dog and Doublet Country Inn, you’ll find the charming market town of Stone, which also boasts a proud brewing history and is fast becoming a mecca for real ale drinkers.

Lymestone Brewery is an award-winning, family run, micro craft ale brewery, who brew a miriad of ales, ciders and lagers often inspired by the name of town – Stone Cutter, Foundation Stone and even the Abominable Stoneman! We highly recommend the fascinating, personal brewery tours, led by “Brad” the brewer and a pint at their aptly named Borehole.

Joules has been synonymous with the town’s brewing history and has now returned – big stye - with a £3.5m canal-side hostelry in the shadow of their former brewery, at Crown Wharf. Alongside the impressive line-up of Joules ales in the taphouse, you’ll find Stone Wharf Community Theatre, housing intimate comedy nights, they also “bring the bard to the bar”, we just love the sound of their special “Much A Brew About Nothing”, charity beer.

National Brewery Centre

Lymestone Brewery

Joules Brewery

Here in North Staffordshire, we are blessed with a thriving agricultural community – one we are very much part of. Owned by a farming family, we’ve been part of the local food scene for decades. We are dedicated to sourcing local produce, celebrating it and bringing it to the bars and tables of The Lewis Partnership hotels, pubs and restaurants. Right on our doorsteps, we have some fabulous producers and we’d love you to meet them, then return to our independently owned and operated, charming country inn, a characterful place to stay with comfortable rooms, a well-stocked bar and top-end gastro pub.

The Dog and Doublet Country Inn, just a Stone’s throw, and an affordable taxi away from these fabulous local beverage experiences. Sit back, relax and let us wait on you. Enjoy a delicious dinner in our gastro pub, where fine dining meets your favourite classics meals, made with the best quality produce from the rural Midlands. Fancy a sundowner or a nightcap before retiring to the comfort of your bed? No problem.

Don’t worry, every morning we’ll fuel you up with a hearty full English, healthy eggs benedict or berry pancake breakfast. If you fancy a lazy, driving-free day, there are beautiful scenic walks straight out of the pub door. Get back and indulge in a classic afternoon tea or savoury “gentleman’s” version with a choice of beers. Enjoy the traditional yet contemporary comfort of our restaurant or relax by the fireside, surrounded by countryside.

Check availability here

Please check availability of tours, performances and experiences via the links provided ahead of your trip, to avoid disappointment.