Holiday Inn Aylesbury by IHG

On the first floor of a Tring townhouse, behind a U-shaped counter, you'll find Chef Scott Barnard in his element. He visibly enjoys interacting with his guests and proudly explaining his dishes at this chef's table operation inside a striking, copper-walled room. Scott and his enthusiastic team craft creative, eye-catching creations, such as a Japanese-influenced dessert of chocolate, miso, sesame and yuzu. Arrive early to start your visit with a cocktail in the Cellar Bar.

This appealing community pub is a friendly, welcoming place. It’s characterised by heavy timbers and an unpretentious feel; find a spot by the wood-burning stove in the cosy bar-lounge or out in the spacious beer garden. The carefully prepared, modern dishes are ideal for sharing, with 2-3 per person constituting a feast; the further down the menu the read, the larger the dishes become. Some of the ingredients are from their kitchen garden.

Wind your way down a series of twisty country lanes and you will be rewarded with a visit to this attractive Victorian inn beside the village green. The charming interior comes with bags of character and a warming fire, while the summer months are best spent on the covered terrace, with cosy, sheepskin-lined benches on hand for when the sun sets. The cooking is unashamedly traditional and executed with a minimum of fuss but plenty of skill, resulting in hearty, robustly flavoured dishes like ox liver with mash and bacon. The friendly team will happily guide you through the menu.

This truly lovely spot has always had a certain quirky charm – and that remains true to this day, with the restaurant having undergone little change over the years and emanating a comforting familiarity. In summer, start with an aperitif in the delightful garden dotted with backlit sculptures; at other times, sit beside the log fire and get cosy among the eclectic décor. The kitchen makes good use of quality ingredients to create dishes whose flavours are punchy and pronounced, while the wine list is a labour of love.