With real country pubs becoming something of a dying breed, The White Lion is a very welcome sight. It can be found by the village green, next to the church at Soberton, in Hampshire’s picturesque Meon Valley. No pretensions here; what you see is what you get – a warm and welcoming public bar with local real ale, and a snug eating area and restaurant for special evenings.

Chef and owner Nikki Burdon took over the lease with husband Andy three years ago, and, after completing her apprenticeship in London’s West End and working abroad, now brings delicious country cooking to this pretty corner of Hampshire. The menu, awash with an impressive array of locally sourced produce, changes with the seasons. As the trees turn golden, whole roast partridge with blackberries and apple can be found on the menu – just one of the eight main courses that cater for all tastes. Vegetarians will go weak at the knees for baked squash, served with roasted vegetables and feta, and fish lovers will love the smoked haddock and spinach bake topped with Parmesan. Delicious, homemade desserts are the very thing to warm your heart on a chilly day, and lunch can vary from a full meal to a freshly made platter, which can be enjoyed in the sunny garden or on the covered patio.