The Bewicke Arms is a charming 400-year-old thatched inn situated on the green in Hallaton, near Market Harborough – a picturesque village famous for its Easter ‘hare pie scrambling’ and ‘bottle kicking’ contests. The owners have successfully combined a contemporary interior within a traditional setting, giving a relaxed, sophisticated environment that offers something for everyone: a horseshoe-shaped restaurant, relaxing bar, tearoom and accommodation.

Diners can choose from a comprehensive menu of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, specials and chef’s favourites. A two-course lunch, available from Monday to Friday, costs £7.95 and evening menu prices range from £8.50 for sausage and mash to £15.95 for the whole baby turbot. The staff were friendly and accommodating and the food locally sourced and freshly cooked. My guest and I shared the antipasto platter from the starter menu – a feast of cured meats, olives, rustic bread and buffalo mozzarella cheese. Creative, colourful and tasty.

As my friend tucked into a chunky homemade lasagne, I sampled the pan-fried chicken wrapped in Parma ham, which had the most luxuriously creamy garlic and white wine sauce. With an Eton Mess draped in raspberries and fresh cream followed by coffee, it was a perfect evening from beginning to end.