Best clubhouse for a cosy winter afternoon

There’s nothing better than sitting by a fireside after a long round of golf. Here are some of the best clubhouses to get cosy in this winter…

Celtic Manor’s clubhouse offers amazing views. Lynne Cameron/PA Archive

The roaring fire, a snifter of whiskey in your hand and the warm glow of self-satisfaction of having completed a perfect round of golf. These are just a few of the things we look for in our clubhouses.

And it’s at this time of year that they come into their own, becoming cosy dens in which to extend the golfing day or swap stories with fellow golfers.

Here are 5 of our favourite clubhouses for getting comfortable in during the winter months…

Royal Blackheath, Eltham

Dating back to 1664, the Restoration-era building is steeped in history. And you feel it as you walk in, whether it’s the building’s elegant staircase or its ornate ceilings. But the highlight for us is its amazing fireplaces.

The 19th hole bar is the best place to relax, with views over the 18^th green. And if you want to add a bit of culture to your winter afternoon, head to its on-site museum containing a collection of trophies, artefacts and memorabilia.

Celtic Manor, Newport

We’ve talked about this amazing clubhouse before on these pages, and we’re here again. It’s a modern gem but incorporates enough personality that it acts as the perfect winter retreat, such as the requisite roaring fire and large leather sofas. Again, you’ll get stunning views to go with your hot drink, taking in the 18^th green.

For members, there’s a private balcony for even better views, but who wants to be outside when it’s cold and windy. Anyway, members will probably be in their luxury locker room that comes with its own open fire.

Gleneagles, Perthshire

There are plenty of dining and drinking options to choose from at Gleneagles, whether it’s the amazing Andrew Fairlie restaurant or The Dormy Clubhouse Bar & Grill, with its tandoor oven and central open fire.

But our favourite is the more relaxed Century Bar. Set in the hotel lobby, it has deep red seating that demands to be slumped in. The art deco glass breaks up the room nicely, while there are seats at the bar for chatting to the knowledgeable bar staff. In short, a golfer’s dream.

Stapleford Manor’s main building

Stapleford Park, Leicestershire

Set apart from the rest of this luxury hotel resort is the thatched Pavilion. Though it was only opened in 2000, it retains all the charm and style of the original estate buildings and overlooks the 19^th hole.

Upstairs is the restaurant, but it’s downstairs you’ll want to be after a long game. Or you can head to the main building to sit by one of its enormous roaring fires.

The cosy Jigger Inn in St Andrews.

The Jigger Inn, St Andrews

Okay, we’re cheating here a bit because – officially – the Jigger isn’t a clubhouse. But’s it’s been a favourite drinking hole for players of the Old Course for decades – and who are we to argue against tradition.

Built in the 1850s as a stationmaster’s house, it’s now a cosy classic pub with plenty of fires, small nooks and comfy seats. It’s even got its own Scottish Jigger Ale, so you can indulge in some local history and local produce at the same time.