Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club

At this smart cream pub they have their own herb and vegetable beds, keep sheep, pigs, chickens and bees, and source the rest of their meats from within 20 miles. Menus feature 6 dishes per course – supplemented by a selection of specials – and cooking is generous and satisfying. Smart, rustic bedrooms come with slate floors, sheepskin rugs and big, comfy beds.

Tucked away in what is surely one of England’s prettiest hamlets, dining here is like stumbling upon a hidden slice of paradise. Surrounded by beautifully kept grounds but also their own farm, the restaurant sits inside a gorgeous farmhouse alongside a bakery and shop. Take your seat in the dining room in full view of the open kitchen and feast on the seasonal dishes that make great use of the wood-fired oven. Grilled spatchcock quail with cherries from the estate is a prime example, succulent and full of gamey flavour.

It might be set within a restored 19th-century farmhouse, but The Woodspeen has a contemporary feel courtesy of its fine terrace and an airy, Scandic-style extension with a vaulted arch ceiling. Menus centre on the seasons and bring together ingredients from the kitchen garden and the surrounding area, in dishes that utilise big, punchy flavours – such as anchovy emulsion and wild garlic salsa with roast lamb rump. Arrive early for a drink in the intimate bar; the ‘25 Yards’ gin is crafted using botanicals from their garden.

This restaurant is temporarily closed for refurbishment.Situated within a glamorous hotel of the same name, this smart and stylish restaurant has wine embedded in its bones. Whilst not actually situated on a vineyard, there is one nearby – which provides some local sparkling wines – and the overall list offers a huge selection, including over 70 options by the glass. These serve as the perfect accompaniment to elegantly presented dishes that are elevated by the skilful preparation of the high-quality ingredients. The main restaurant serves an à la carte, while The Tasting Room offers a seasona

This restaurant is temporarily closed following a fire.‘The Hodd’ is a characterful pub at the heart of the village, and offers a friendly welcome and charm aplenty with its rustic brickwork and exposed timbers. Understated menu descriptions belie the skill involved in the experienced chef’s well-crafted dishes. Be sure to save room for pudding and stay overnight in one of the five bedrooms so you can explore more of the local area.

Within Heckfield Place – a Georgian country house hotel decorated with the owner’s extensive post-war British art collection – you’ll find this charming, orangery-style dining room looking out over a lake and parkland. Locality and seasonality drive everything they do here, with a great number of ingredients coming from the estate’s own farm; these are fashioned into light, clean dishes that rely on honest, natural flavours. Look out for anything based around the 'farm vegetables', which give you an opportunity to really taste the land.