Although it started life in Alcester, this neighbourhood brasserie now occupies what was the Bird in Hand – a 1960s retro boozer in a village between Worcester and Evesham. Tuscan-born chef/proprietor Felice Tocchini finds time to appear on our TV screens while running the show at Stoulton, along with his family (“superb hosts”). As you’d expect, the food has a strong Italian accent, but with an international twist: sweet potato gnocchi are served with king prawns, chilli and spinach; fritto misto come with triple-cooked fries, and there are mushroom and dolcelatte pancakes for the veggies. Antipasti and pastas abound, steaks get a serious look-in and there are light bites at lunchtime, while desserts include the Fusion mess (mango and lemon set cream with berry sorbet and crushed meringue). Service is “just lovely” and a “fantastic ambience” is guaranteed – don’t forget to check out Fusion’s new in-house deli before you leave.