Bants

Just a few miles outside Worcester, the family-run Bants is a welcoming mix of cosy pub, classy restaurant and relaxing hotel. Dating back to the 16th century, it comes complete with impressive oak beams, old-world charm and a strong emphasis on fresh food and local produce. The menu in the airy conservatory restaurant changes frequently, but you might find yourself tempted by oven-baked Brie in filo pastry, breast of pheasant in a creamy bacon, mushroom and wholegrain mustard sauce, and treacle maple and pecan tart served with honey and ginger ice-cream. If you're not up for the full works, the bar's snack menu includes some cracking soups and sandwiches, plus hearty staples like faggots with garlic mash or corned beef hash on bubble and squeak. And if you've eaten too much to move far, Bants can put you up very comfortably in its cleverly converted barn or cider mill.