Woodmans Stroke, Rothley (Woodies)

The Woodman’s Stroke, aka "The Woodies" is a quintessentially English village pub, with its thatched roof and chocolate-box frontage, and was the Leicester CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year 2024. There is a small snug as you enter from the front, but the traditional interior has been sympathetically opened-out, with exposed ceiling joists and stone floors. A modern extension has been added at the rear, and there is an extensive attractive outside area to the side and back with heated parasols and seasonal gazebos. It has a petanque piste and large garden rolling down to Rothley Brook. Family run as a free-house for many years it has three regular real ales with one rapidly changing guest, real cider, a fine selection of wines, and good home-cooked food on weekday lunchtimes. No gaming machines or music, the old-fashioned pastime of conversation is encouraged. Dogs aren't allowed inside during the day, when food is bring served, but there are extensive dining areas outside when the weather is suitable. Buses from Leicester to Loughborough and Shepshed run all evening, slightly curtailed on Sundays.