A greatly extended, half-timbered inn with an open-plan dining area, parasols on the patio and a good line in local hospitality, The Bluebell also cuts it in the foodie stakes – thanks to a menu of
upmarket pub grub and more elaborate restaurant-style dishes. Hot-smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, aged rump steaks and sticky toffee pudding share the billing with the likes of crispy Lighthorne
lamb breast with Jerusalem artichoke purée and red onion relish, cod fillet with braised squid, chorizo and chickpeas or chocolate marquise with espresso sauce. Tapas-style nibbles are available at
the bar most sessions and, in a departure from the provincial gastropub norm, The Bluebell also serves indulgent afternoon teas (complete with Pimm’s or pink fizz for the celebrants). Two-dozen
reasonably priced wines are alternatives to the real ales on display.