Rescued by two local couples after a stint as the Indigo Palace, when it was threatened with redevelopment, this village inn has been restored to the heart of the community. There are real ales, a log burner, flagstone floors in the bar, rugs, mugs, and wood panelling. ‘The atmosphere is lovely – friendly and lively but not too buzzy,' writes a Guide insider. The interiors were styled by one of the pub saviours, art consultant Clemy Sheffield. ‘Carefully designed, pared-back’ bedrooms are named after local farms. Some have exposed beams, botanical or bird prints. All have 100 Acres Apothecary toiletries. A family might opt for the three-bedroom converted barn across the village green with two kitchenettes. In the split-level restaurant, South African chef Gert Pienaar’s menus mix pub classics (‘think succulent beef burger, a tower of chips’), with inventive dishes such as pan-roasted monkfish tail, prawn-stuffed courgette flower, shellfish oil. The food is a big winner, 'so much better than I’d expected in a pub’. Your pooch will be happy, too. ‘Dining dogs are served several snacks from the open kitchen at dinner and breakfast.' (CH, and others)