This striking 16th-Century Cotswold stagecoach inn epitomises the 'country pub', offering a relaxed mixture of sensational food and comfortable interiors in a stunning rural location. Happily, this fantastic inn easily surpasses all expectations.
The Charlton Bar beckons with a roaring log fire and rustic flagstone floor, and is perfect for enjoying a tasty bar snack in friendly surroundings, while the dining room awaits invitingly with its solid oak tables and impeccable service. Aside from serving fine wines and weekly changing guest ales, the food philosophy shines through - to select quality local ingredients and cook them in a way that seduces customers into coming back time after time.
The succulent breast of wood pigeon, nestling alongside smoked bacon, spiced poached figs and baby onions was an exquisite opener, while my partner was dazzled by the tender wild diver-caught scallops atop fresh tagliatelle, bathed in a subtly flavoured crab bisque. The luxurious braised Cornish lamb, roasted garlic mash and baby vegetables in a piquant wine and rosemary sauce comes thoroughly recommended. Fish-lovers must experience the seared fillet of sea bream accompanied by chorizo sausage, vegetables and mussels in their shells - flavourful moist flakes melting into spicy crab oil: perfect. To finish, I indulged in one of the wickedly divine desserts. Warm poached figs in puff pastry with honey mascarpone did battle with the lighter alternative of organic ice creams and sorbets. Warmly appreciated, the excellent cheeseboard came accompanied by tangy homemade apple chutney.
Don't forget the inn's unique feature - a secret walled garden where you can sip fine wine and watch the sun go down in almost total seclusion. And if you don't fancy the drive home afterwards, you can spend the night in one of the inn's five sumptuous en-suite rooms - a magical way to end a truly enchanting evening.
