Pioneer lives up to its hardy name by opening only during the winter months, but warmth won’t be a problem, with the cosy bed up a ladder above the cab, the wood-burner crackling in the corner and Kingstone Brewery on hand to supply you with that special inner glow. The beer is Ed’s domain and he can show you round and talk you through the art of brewing, while Tori can give you a crash course in making bread or pasta. Ask about monthly wood-fired pizza nights too, held in the garden of the shop/cafe on site, where you can also pick up great cheeses, chutneys and other local supplies.

Getting out into the Wye Valley and the depths of the Forest of Dean, or visiting the ruins of Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle can help you work up a thirst. If the weather is holding you can take to the river by canoe, idling round the gentle curves to waterfront pubs like the Saracen’s Head or the Inn on the Wye. Pioneer’s neat idyll in the woods will be waiting when you return.

At Kingstone Brewery 
There are plenty of options at the brewery itself: there's a bar on site where they do a great range of beer which you can pair with a Ploughman's lunch served in summer. 
Please note this isn't always open so please liaise with Ed after booking. 
There are pizza evenings on the first Saturday of every month and there's also the farm shop with cheeses, chutneys and other local bits and pieces. 
If you give her some advance notice, Tori can also arrange some supplies ready for when you arrive. 

Going out - a few pubs & restaurants worth a try 
The Brockweir Inn in Brockweir - (3 miles) a lovely friendly local pub that serves quality home cooked pub food! The Anchor, Tintern - just beside the grand old Abbey, it is a great setting for a relaxing meal. 
The Whitebrook at Whitebrook - perfect for if you are looking for something a bit special for a treat - it's Michelin starred too! 
Other options: 
Wye Valley Hotel, Tintern 
Moon and Sixpence, Tintern 
Fountain, Tintern 
Lion Inn Trelleck 
Ostrich, Clearwell 
Lamb Inn, Clearwell 
Wyndham Arms, Clearwell 
Boat Inn, Redbrook

At the brewery 

If Ed and Tori are around, it's usually possible to tour the brewery and talk/taste malts with Ed (closed Thursday and Sunday). If you did want to spend more time getting involved in the brewing process then we also offer 1 hour, half and full day courses which cost £25.00, £50.00 - £100.00. You will learn all about the brewing process as well as home cooked food. Finally, you will return home with some beers to enjoy!

A little further afield...

A visit to Tintern Abbey is really amazing and once you are on the inside you will be surprised by its size. It is a wonderfully majestic site.

Tintern is also a lovely village to walk around with unusual and fascinating little shops! Tori's favourite is Stella Books as they have over 30,000 rare or out of print books - you will be bound to find a memorable story there!

For the adventure seeker: there is mountain biking, tree top zip wires, kayaking and wild river swimming! If any of these interest you then Ed & Tori will be happy to let you know all about them.

Clearwell Caves - 4500 Years of mining history in an amazing cave system.

Puzzlewood - magical woodland in the Forest of Dean.

Dean Steam Railway - Dean Forest railway.

A day out at Go Ape! Forest of Dean, 11 miles away, is always recommended for Tarzan swings and epic zip wires.

Ask Ed & Tori for more information on the local area.