Part country boozer, part restaurant, part boutique B&B, the seriously revamped Bourne Valley Inn is going strong with an energetic young couple at the helm. Sit in the bar or relax in the beer garden with a pint of well-kept ale or a glass of wine; otherwise head to the restaurant for a teasing menu of eclectic bistro-style dishes loaded with flavour – from salt ‘n’ pepper squid with aioli or ham hock and corn-fed chicken terrine with charred leeks to lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, devilled kidneys or local hogget with crushed new potatoes, ‘pick your own’ asparagus and rosemary jus. Fans of pie and mash, fish and chips, burgers and Caesar salad are also well accommodated, while pud might bring a signature knickerbocker glory or lemon posset with lemon balm granita and pistachio biscotti. Sunday lunch revolves around traditional roasts, while Sunday evenings are reserved for tapas and cocktails. BVI also boasts a bespoke cake shop, and the gorgeous barn conversion next door is tailor-made for private events.