Bear and Ragged Staff is one of those cheerful refuges that help you completely disassociate from the cares of the world outside. It is situated in the shade of two oak trees at Bransford, near Malvern, in the glorious Worcestershire countryside.

The Michelin listed country pub and restaurant serves classic dishes created from locally sourced ingredients, some grown in their own backyard. In fine weather, diners can sit in the garden, where summer barbeques are a feature  at weekends.

Choices at the restaurant might include terrine of local game with rocket and ruby chard salad, and braised brisket of Herefordshire beef with pan-fried feather steak. Fresh fish from the daily chalkboard augments the list of options.

A selection of lunchtime sandwiches as well as dishes such as Thai style fishcakes or wild boar and apple sausages are served at the bar. There are wines and spirits as well as George's Best and Fullers London Pride beers on the hand pumps.