The Hawk Inn

‘Immaculate’ is the best way to describe this beautifully restored 19th-century property, located in a pretty village and surrounded by manicured grounds. The pub area is all country warmth and roaring fires, while the restaurant is bright and modern thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu aims to please all-comers, with steaks and burgers joined by more elaborate preparations like sea bass with Morteau sausage and girolles. Make the most of the spectacular renovation by staying the night in one of the 10 bedrooms, split between the main house and courtyard.

Situated in a bucolic location on the edge of Salisbury Plain, this pretty thatched pub is made even more characterful by a hotchpotch of decorative touches. The generously flavoured dishes demonstrate that this is a classically trained kitchen using well-sourced ingredients; the Chateaubriand for two with chips and béarnaise sauce is a popular choice. Well-equipped bedrooms have private terraces overlooking the river, allowing you to extend your visit and explore the surrounding Wiltshire countryside.

When visiting The Avenue, it would be a good idea to arrive early and explore some of the 60-acre grounds surrounding Lainston House, a fine 17th-century country manor. Inside, the two-roomed restaurant plays host to a detailed tasting menu with a twist, which allows diners to choose the starter, main course and dessert, while the smaller ‘in between’ courses are fixed. The cooking is intricate and complex, allowing the chefs to show off their technical skills. Add a wine pairing to make an occasion of your visit.

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.