Places to eat with car charging points
There are over 1.25 million electric and hybrid plug-in car owners in the UK. While the number is relatively small, the figures are rising dramatically year on year.
Around 22% of all new car registrations are fully electric or hybrid plug-in vehicles compared to just 0.4% back in 2016, and as caring for the environment becomes a focus for many people, many of us are considering making the switch.
The government plans to ban all non-hybrid petrol and diesel cars by 2040, so whether we’re ready or not, electric vehicles are the way of the future.
Are you wondering whether car charging will be an issue as a UK electric vehicle owner? Well, the good news is that visiting many of your favourite places – such as supermarkets, pubs, and gyms – or even your workplace provides the perfect opportunity to charge up. Plus, it gives you another excuse to spend another hour at your favourite local – not that you needed it, of course.
But just in case you do, here’s our selection of 8 of the best pubs and restaurants with electric car charging points around the UK, giving you more reasons to Eat Drink Meet whenever you fancy. While you top up your car, we’ll top up your glass!
Inn on the Lake, Godalming
Perched on the edge of a stunning lake in Godalming, this stylish pub and hotel is the perfect spot for a relaxing bite to eat after visiting the area’s National Trust sites or a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of London’s dazzling sights. Plus, there’s a bp pulse charging station right next to the hotel, making that thought of stopping in for a Sunday roast even more tempting…
Must-see attraction close-by:
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey – Enjoy this National Trust site throughout every season with regular family events also taking place.
The Seahorse, Guildford
This contemporary pub, bar, and restaurant offers the perfect setting for al fresco dining not far from Guildford Castle and Cathedral. Charge your electric car whilst diving into their fresh, seasonal menus and extensive wine list.
Must-see attraction close-by:
Loseley Park, Guildford – A beautiful, walled garden bursting with vibrant colours and gorgeous flowers throughout the summer months.
The Kingfisher, Chertsey
Sitting pretty on the banks of the iconic River Thames, The Kingfisher sets the perfect backdrop for relaxed dining in a country pub setting. The views are worth the visit alone, and families will find a dedicated children’s menu for smaller appetites.
Must-see attraction close-by:
Thorpe Park, Surrey - If you fancy dining out with a side of adrenaline, pay a visit to this theme park just outside Chertsey.
The Bell Inn, Godstone
If you’re visiting Godstone Farm or enjoying a stroll through Surrey Hills, then this pub with its modern British menu and lovely garden makes for a great pitstop to re-charge both your car and body.
Must-see attraction close-by:
Godstone Farm, Godstone - Great for little ones, this interactive farm lets visitors get up-close with animals and features multiple play areas.
The Willett Arms, Wimborne
Country pub chic and fine dining is the vibe at this pub and restaurant on the edge of the historic village of Wimborne. Take a leisurely walk in the countryside and then settle in for Sunday lunch with all the trimmings. Perfection.
Must-see attraction close-by:
Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne – Explore this vintage miniature world, surrounded by beautiful, listed gardens.
The Victoria, Barnt Green
Crazy for chocolate? The Victoria is close to Cadbury’s World, in the picturesque village of Barnt Green. So, before you indulge in a few of life’s sweeter things – if you can resist their desserts menu, that is – charge your electric vehicle while sipping on a tipple in the chic bar area or spoiling yourself with fine dining in the restaurant.
Must-see attraction close-by:
Cadbury’s World, or wander around the greens of nearby Sanders Park, Bromsgrove, with scenic ponds, play areas for kids, and plenty of space to relax.
The Bell, Belbroughton
This premium pub and restaurant really is a destination in itself. Set in the Black Country – England's historic industrial centre – it’s popular with both locals and visitors, giving people a place to relax and indulge with seasonal pub dishes and a wide selection of cask ales, artisan spirits, and fine wines.
Must-see attractions close-by:
There’s plenty to do nearby, whether it’s a visit to West Midlands Safari Park, where you can take the family on a safari ride to see elephants, tigers, rhinos, and giraffes all in one place, or enjoy the vintage steam train rides of The Severn Valley Railway.
The Ashton, Bristol
Love a round of golf? The Ashton sits in the centre of some great courses and pretty woodland walking paths. The restaurant itself is bright and welcoming with stylish touches and a menu of British classics and modern twists. If a spot of shopping sounds good, it isn’t too far from Bristol city centre, either.
Must-see attractions close-by:
As Shakespeare’s birthplace, there’s plenty to see, from the house the Bard lived in, to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre named after him. We’d also recommend taking a stroll along the tranquil waters of the River Avon.
Find a pub with electric vehicle charging near you...
When you’ve ticked off every stunning location on this list, you may feel like discovering more memorable pubs and restaurants with electric car charging points… Who could blame you?
Take a little wander through the Eat Drink Meet collection and find inspiration for your next getaway… and don’t worry about travelling a long way – you know there’ll be a charging point waiting for you when you arrive.
Electric Vehicle FAQs
Now that we know electric vehicle charging is available, easy, and convenient, let’s delve into some FAQs around this relatively new development in car ownership. Is an electric car for you?
How difficult is it to find electric car charging points?
There are now in excess of 60,000 charging points around the UK. Many workplaces and public spaces have electric charging points, but many people charge their car at home with an electric car charger. A new, fully charged electric vehicle will run for a range of 150-300 miles while a second-hand EV may be closer to 100 miles before needing a top-up.
The existing car charging infrastructure is certainly more suited to city living, but planning ahead can ensure that a medium commute is easily possible.
Is there a cost to charge your electric vehicle?
There are thousands of free electric charging points in the UK, though you should always check ahead for any restrictions. For example, you may be required to make a purchase in-store (or in-pub) to use a particular charging station. Other charging points will require payment with different rates for on and off-peak times.
To track free electric charging points near you, download The Chargepoint app for IOS and android.
Is there a time limit on charging your electric car?
In some cases, particularly in busy areas at busy times, you may be limited to a set period of time. Always check ahead for any restrictions.
How long will it take to charge my electric vehicle?
Depending on your car, how large the battery is, and the power rating of the charging point you’re using – it can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 10 hours to charge an electric vehicle. Look out for rapid and ultra-rapid devices which are usually found at petrol stations and supermarkets, while slow chargers are often situated at workplaces and apply to home-charging.
Do charging points cater for all kinds of electric vehicle?
Whilst your generic hybrid vehicle is charged as you drive and through regenerative braking, a plug-in hybrid can indeed be charged at a public point as well as powered with traditional fuel.