The Five Alls at Filkins is a pub so wonderfully eccentric and unapologetically charming that you’d be hard-pressed to walk through its door and not feel instantly at home. And I mean truly at home, not just in that pleasant, perfunctory “welcome to our establishment” sort of way. No, this place wraps you up in a big, metaphorical bear hug the second you step across the threshold. It’s as though the pub itself is saying, “Go ahead, unpack your troubles. Have a pint. Take a load off. You’re one of us now.”
Tom Downing, the new owner of The Five Alls at Filkins, brings a wealth of hospitality experience to this picturesque Cotswolds gem. His career, spanning over 20 years, includes notable stints at The Crazy Bear Hotels and working with Marco Pierre White to open country inns. Tom’s hands-on background, from his father’s hotel to the culinary training at Radbrook Catering College, instilled a deep passion for creating memorable guest experiences. Joining him is general manager Robert Wilks, whose meticulous attention to detail and over 15 years of experience ensures a seamless operation. Together, they have elevated this cosy, characterful inn, with Tom already overseeing a refurbishment and crafting dining experiences that celebrate local ingredients. Their combined expertise has breathed fresh life into The Five Alls, offering guests top-tier service with a personal touch.
The Five Alls is steeped in history, its name a nod to five archetypes who have likely quaffed many a tankard within these very walls. The King, who rules for all. The Lawyer, who pleads for all. The Priest, who prays for all. The Peasant, who works for all. And the Soldier, who fights for all. I dare say that as I took my first sip of local ale by the fire, I began to feel a bit of each of them.
Let’s start with the space itself. Sectioned into areas that somehow feel both grand and intimate, The Five Alls knows how to use its corners and crannies. The dining room is a revelation—light floors and dark red walls, a masterclass in the kind of moody, enveloping warmth you’d expect from a pub that’s got a team that knows what it’s doing.
Art is everywhere, but it’s not that insipid “off the shelf” stuff you see in chain restaurants. No, here you get majestic stags staring you down and renditions of the Five Alls archetypes—The King, a commanding presence in oil, the Soldier, noble and battle-worn. It’s the kind of room you want to settle into for hours, sipping wine and plotting world domination, or at least finishing that second bottle.
Then there’s the fire corner. Yes, you could call it “cosy,” but that seems inadequate. This is where the dogs-in-suits cushions come in—yes, dogs in suits—along with the big comfy chairs that make you seriously consider whether it’s socially acceptable to ask for a blanket and call it a night.
I imagine The Lawyer would plead for more time by that fire, while the Priest might find it a perfect spot for contemplation. Meanwhile, the Peasant (or The Local, as they’re now affectionately referred to) can be found at the bar—where the real magic happens. The bar is the heartbeat of the Five Alls. It’s where the locals gather—whether they’re from the village or just popping in from one of the nine spacious rooms.
This is where The Soldier, The Local, and the odd King who fancies a pint after ruling the realm can be found, elbow to elbow, chatting about the day and sharing a laugh. There’s an easy camaraderie that’s hard to fake, and the pub has tapped into it with perfection.
Out back, you’ve got a charming pub garden—a great spot in the summer, no doubt, but also the kind of place where you can imagine huddling up with a hot toddy as autumn leaves fall.
And let’s not forget the rooms, nine of them in total, each spacious enough to feel luxurious, but, crucially, not so lavish that you don’t want to rush back down to the pub. You’ll want to unpack with haste—there’s no time to be lounging in a room when there’s atmosphere like this waiting for you in the Five Alls itself.
And did I mention it’s dog-friendly? It’s not just dog-tolerant, either. This place loves dogs. So, if you’re the sort who believes that a pub isn’t truly perfect unless your four-legged friend is welcomed with open arms (and treats, naturally), The Five Alls is your nirvana. It’s like the dogs are part of the local community, too. And frankly, they probably rule over the pub in their own quiet way, much like The King does. Actually I take that back I think the ruling may be done by Dougal the ginger Tom cat.
But of course, I must talk about the food, which is as much a reason to visit as the ambiance itself. Once the food starts arriving, you know you are in for a gastro-treat.
The Marks Bakery focaccia was the first to appear, warm and fragrant, with herbs delicately baked into its soft, golden crust. It’s the sort of bread you can imagine a king breaking at a banquet—a simple yet regal start to the meal. Each bite soaked up the rich butter and it was all too easy to imagine this as the kind of indulgence that sets the tone for the feast to come.
Next, the black pudding bon bons. Generous in portion and comfort, each bon bon was a deep-fried ball of richness, but the real star was the apple ketchup underneath. The sharpness cut through the indulgence of the black pudding perfectly, balancing the flavours like a well-argued case. A lawyer might be proud to plead the merits of this dish—clever, balanced, and full of finesse. The stag clearly eyeing up every delicious mouthful.
Then came the salt and pepper calamari, which brought with it a satisfying crunch. The batter was just right—light but still substantial enough to make every bite feel rewarding. The squid itself was tender, not chewy, and the seasoning added just the right kick. It was one of those starters that hits all the right notes without overcomplicating things—a dish that could easily win over even the most battle-worn diner.
The crispy duck salad is another starter to mention, and it brings a refreshing twist. Sitting on a bed of peppery watercress and drizzled with a sweet and tangy plum sauce, it had that perfect balance of rich and fresh. This was a starter that showed off a little, without straying too far from the pub’s rustic roots, bringing a touch of Asian fusion to the table with ease.
And then, onto the mains.
The pressed leg of lamb was simply magnificent. Tender and full of flavour, it came paired with a pea and mint fricassee that added a fresh pop of green to the dish, and the roasting jus tied everything together beautifully. It was the kind of dish that commanded attention, one you’d be more than happy to call the centrepiece of any meal. If the focaccia was fit for a king, this was surely the king’s feast.
But for something heartier, the ribeye steak was the ultimate comfort. Charred perfectly on the outside, pink and juicy within, it was everything a good steak should be. The sides of fries, mushrooms, tomato were as classic as they come, and the café de Paris sauce gave it a finish that elevated the whole experience. This was a dish that stood strong, something you’d expect from a soldier coming in from the field—a meal that leaves you satisfied in every sense.
And finally, dessert. The strawberry cheesecake was a delightful finish—light, creamy, and not too sweet.
The chocolate and hazelnut choux pastry was a showstopper.
But it was the honeycomb ice and salted caramel ice creams that won the hearts of the kids at our table proving that there’s something for everyone at this glorious venue.
The Five Alls isn’t just a pub with rooms. It’s a space where history, personality, and sheer comfort collide in the most delightful way. Whether you’re a King looking to rule, a Lawyer needing to plead your case, or just someone who wants to sit by the fire with a pint and a dog on your lap, you’ll find your place here. Make no mistake, you’ll come for the rooms but stay for the soul of the place.
The Five Alls at Filkins
Filkins, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3JQ, UK
01367 860875
www.thefiveallsfilkins.co.uk
