Built in 1397 as a wool store, with Tudor updates, The George was already historic when Pepys visited in 1668. Refurbishment by Butcombe Pubs has refreshed interiors at no cost to ‘bags of character', say our inspectors. ‘Thoughtfully furnished’ inn rooms have exposed beams, perhaps an antique four-poster. Rooms in Georgian La Plaine opposite are more contemporary. All have cafetière coffee, Bramley toiletries. Pepys ‘dined very well’ for 10 shillings. Expect to pay a little more for pub classics and ‘interesting, well-presented, tasty’ dishes such as roasted cauliflower, pakora, with bhaji and curry sauce or crisp shoulder of local lamb with devilled kidneys, best enjoyed with bucolic views in the beer garden.