Dating back to the 16th century and a fixture of Shrewsbury’s historic Wyle Cop, The Lion & Pheasant is now a personally run townhouse hotel with a mix of chic New-England-style interiors, ancient beams and timbers. Food-wise, expect a menu of contemporary brasserie-style dishes along the lines of basil-cured salmon with citrus fruits and shaved fennel, rib-eye steak with anchovy butter and hand-cut chips or roast duck breast with peaches, peas, grilled baby gem, bacon and potato terrine – plus desserts such as lemon posset with blueberry compote and a vanilla fritter. The cooking is backed by a thoughtfully assembled global wine list with a fine selection by the glass and some intriguing bin ends. Meanwhile, cocktails, gins and real ales share the billing in the traditional inglenook bar.