Amid the gently undulating Berkshire countryside, the thatched Blue Boar inn was home to a seafood restaurant before being reinvented once more as a gastropub by Butcombe Pubs (see also Methuen Arms, et al). Bedrooms are characterful, mixing traditional and contemporary styling. Some have a private patio. A classic double has a modern four-poster, a feature signature room has a walk-in shower and a deep modern bath. You could just drop in for a pint and a Scotch egg, but the food in the restaurant and outside is tempting. Innovative dishes might include chestnut mushroom risotto, truffle and artichoke pesto; venison haunch and braised neck, smoked celeriac purée. In summer an outdoor kitchen dispenses steaks from the Josper grill.