At the end of a winding country lane is a real local treat, The Robin Hood Inn, and you’ll be delighted to discover it’s only a 15-minute drive from the centre of Sheffield. There’s been a free house here since the early 1800s and now, thanks to the hard work of the three new owners, it’s becoming a beacon for local sustainability and a quality pint. Ruth, Carl and Peter are transforming this well-loved tavern, restoring original features and introducing a menu of locally sourced food, with a choice of pub classics at lunch plus a specials board in the evening. The large outdoor spaces surrounding the inn provide ample room for alfresco dining when the weather is warm.

We began our evening in the traditional taproom, which serves cask ales brewed locally and from around the country, and soon it was time for the main event. We started with crab risotto, which can also be ordered as a main course, along with possibly the finest ‘soup of the day’ we’ve ever tried – butternut squash with ginger, served with chunky bread and lashings of butter, it was well balanced and utterly scrumptious. Next we opted for steak and ale pie from the classics menu, and free-range pork chop with parsnip mash from the specials board. We were grateful for the speedy service, as our own chops were salivating after the starters, and the main course dishes did not disappoint. The pie was bursting with chunks of steak, held in by superb pastry, and the chop, sourced from Coppice House Farm just a couple of miles away, was beautifully complemented by cider sauce and sweet tomato fondue. Although the portions were generous, we couldn’t help but be tempted by vanilla cheesecake for dessert – just one of the classic puddings on offer.

The Robin Hood is a highly recommended choice for any occasion and, if you love it as much as we did, you’ll be delighted to hear that there are four newly refurbished luxury boutique-style guest rooms – so, thankfully, your visit doesn’t have to end when your meal does.