Walkers, cyclists and farmers have enjoyed the hospitality at this remote rural pub for over a century, and the welcome is as warm as ever since a new team jumped into the driving seat. The Oak has also got more comfortable in the process: beams, roaring fires and copper canopies remain, but the dining areas have been gussied up – along with the menu. An extensive list of dishes features local and seasonal specialities such as exceptional Thornbridge wild boar prosciutto, which is served up with olives, rocket salad and rustic bread. Pub classics take in hand-raised pork and chicken pie, while huge, homemade puds are of the ‘school dinners’ variety – so best plan a yomp along the wonderful nearby Tissington Trail to make room.