A few years ago the riverside walk on the path downstream from Ross towards the Wilton Bridge, otherwise a pleasant grassy stroll, was blighted by two neglected or derelict pubs. In 2022 The Hope and Anchor re-opened after extensive refurbishment including a ‘Pleasure Garden’ extending down to the riverside path. Once past that, through the trees and looking up towards the cliffs below The Prospect, your eye was caught by a less pleasurable sight – the eyesore of a sadly neglected building. The Riverside Inn had been closed for more than a decade, sometimes occupied by squatters, and even once apparently subject to a raid by anti-terrorism forces. Locals had seemingly given up on the prospects for a once valued hostelry that had failed several attempts to convert it to private houses.
Things started looking up when in 2024 Rebecca Pickup and Charlie Baker, who had experience of running The Paddle Cafe at Kerne Bridge, took on the considerable task of the redevelopment of this pub – the main building needed a full refurbishment once cleared of debris. Initially another cafe, The Riverside Cafe, was opened at the end of the car park opposite the main building, which provided much needed revenue and interest for the pub project. Now the pub has been completed, the elevated terrace between pub and cafe has tables with parasols, with table service available. Below the wall close to the pub is another seating area with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.
Once inside, the extensive nature of the work done is immediately obvious. The dining area overlooking the terrace is light and airy, with flagstone floors, mixed tables and window seats, and upcycled chairs in a variety of styles. A grand piano sits in a corner which is used for jazz performances on some evenings. There are some reveals of the original structure leading through to the bar area, which has sofas, tables and a wood stove. One wall is covered with a full size reproduction of an old Ordnance Survey map of Ross.
Although appearing as a primarily food-led establishment, the bar area comfortably caters for those who just want to call in for a pint or other drink. One cask-conditioned ale is offered on hand pull – Butty Bach from the Wye Valley Brewery, which was in very good condition on a recent visit. Other draft offers are Staropramen lager and its lighter Praha brand, alongside Hawkstone Lager and Cider, which are brewed in collaboration with Jeremy Clarkson. A range of low and no alcohol beers and ciders are available in bottle and can. An extensive and well-chosen wine list is supplied by the excellent Hay Wines of Ledbury, with several served by the glass, and the menus give recommendations for matching each dish on the menu.
The food offer ranges from nibbles, through small plates to big plates, and features imaginatively combined and presented dishes that are several steps up from standard pub grub. In addition, a simpler Terrace Menu features a ‘Grazer’ plate ideal for sharing. The menus cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diners. Table service is attentive. The Riverside Inn is an attractive addition to the revival of the Wye-side environment and the pubs of Ross. Rebecca and Charlie should be proud of fulfilling their vision and we hope they go from strength to strength.
There is level access to the terrace, restaurant, and bar. The canoe launching point is nearby, and a grassy area below the terrace wall can be used to stow your vessel while you relax and refresh before resuming your paddle.
Opening times:
Pub: 11am-11pm daily. Restaurant: 12-3pm & 6-9pm daily.
The Riverside Inn, Wye Street, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7BT
reservations@riversideinnwyestreet.co.uk
01989 313451
* Since publishing the original Beers on the Bus article in the Autumn 2025 issue of Down the Line magazine, the Riverside Inn has launched five distinctive boutique hotel rooms described as ‘rustic rooms, English and French antiques, indulgent bathrooms; no two alike’. It has been named among the best places in the UK for an autumn getaway by The Guardian.
www.riversideinn-wyestreet.com
