This imposing Queen Anne house dominates one end of the village. Owned by the Hine family (of Cognac fame), dining here has an air of celebration about it, whether you take your meal in the lively bar/bistro or the restful calm of the main dining room. Appetisers of miniature fishcakes, crab cocktail crostini & tiny croque monsieurs go well with a glass of crisp, cold La Gitana Manzanilla. A ‘no endangered species’ policy means you are more likely to see dab & pollock on offer than you are turbot or cod. Starters include perfectly cooked grilled sea bream fillets served with a rich tapenade on toast, while tender pigeon breasts may follow, cooked to pink perfection in an aromatic red wine reduction & served with a slice of savoury blood sausage. Treat yourself to a half bottle of 1961 Chateau Cantemerle or 1990 Chateau Haut-Maillet from a superb wine list, & finish with vanilla pannacotta with fresh fruit, or a fabulous all English cheese selection.