Charming Country Cottage in a Peaceful Location

Self-taught chef James Sherwin’s dream came true when he opened this endearing restaurant that’s the epitome of field-to-fork dining. Micro-seasonal produce is grown on their Wild Shropshire farm before being fashioned into a daily changing surprise menu for a maximum of 14 guests. There’s a Japanese influence throughout the harmoniously flavoured dishes, including ingredients like furikake, koji and yuzu, as well as a sake pairing. The passionate, welcoming team offer lovely, personable service.

Sitting a short walk from the city centre, this 1850s-era pub blends in with Chester’s historic architecture thanks to its red-brick and mock-Tudor exterior. It’s received a top-to-toe refurbishment in recent years, with a proper pubby feel remaining in the downstairs bar thanks to its wood panelling, flagged floors and open fires – plus regularly changing ales on tap of course. The first-floor dining rooms are the place to go for wholesome British dishes with a few nods to the Mediterranean. For dessert, look out for the soda bread treacle tart.