Recently given a new lease of life, this well-liked pub in the centre of Saffron Walden has years of history under its belt – half-timbered walls, beams and soaring rafters are reminders of its origins as an old barn. The place also has a modern outlook with smart features, trendy lampshades, comfy leather chairs and a family-friendly seasonal menu of grazing boards, grills and jazzed-up pub classics. Expect the likes of locally shot pigeon Wellington with smoky pancetta and braised lentils or grilled fillet of stone bass with roasted salsify and pearl barley risotto alongside burgers, steaks with hand-cut chips, battered fish or rare-breed pork sausages with mash and caramelised onion gravy. As for desserts, think summer Eton mess or apricot and peppermint pannacotta with almond cream and chilled raspberry soup. Kids have their own menu and there are all-day roasts on Sundays.