Dog & Partridge Hotel by Chef and Brewer Collection

Owners Johnny and Laura Greenall were sad to see the hub of their local village shut its doors, so in 2012 they bought it, smartened it up and reopened it as a stylish dining pub – and it’s been a hit ever since. It’s an attractive place with a delightful terrace and a neighbouring red-brick barn which houses luxurious bedrooms that look out over the fields. The gutsy, keenly priced cooking routinely shows the kitchen's deft skills, from the subtle spicing of a café de Paris butter to the luscious filling of a classic custard tart.

Located in the old canteen of a 19th-century silk mill, Darleys is a stylish place with eye-catching décor and a pleasantly light feel. It also sits beside the river, so ask for a table either on the narrow terrace or beside the window on the upper level to make the most of the great view out over the weir. The appealing, generously proportioned cooking covers all bases: a few small and large plates ideal for sharing; produce cooked over the wood fire, be it chicken or aubergine; some pasta dishes; and a wide choice of steaks, including tomahawk for two.