Countryman, The

The Countryman Inn is a traditional rural hostelry with open log fires in the winter, a cosy bar, and a large restaurant, that has been run by the Vaughan family since 1986. Located just outside the village of Shipley, the inn is surrounded by 3,500 acres of farmland. There has been a conscious attempt to restore the area's pristine beauty, so if you are lucky, you could spot some fallow deer, Exmoor ponies, Tamworth pigs and wild birds around the inn.

Inside, you can find warming log fires and cask conditioned ales in the cosy bar, together with over thirty wines from around the world. The menu boasts of free range meat, vegetables fish from Shoreham apart form local game in season. In fact the menu changes frequently to offer Nature's beast bounty of the season and include fresh fish, Sunday roasts, prime steaks and local game. All the meals are prepared with fresh ingredients.

You could start a meal here with a homemade soup of the day and oak smoked salmon, chicken pâté or roasted vegetable tarts. If you like country style cuisine you could try steak and kidney pudding, the Cumberland ring or fillet steak au poivre. Apart from the fish specialities, you could also settle for a variety of sandwiches and salads.

The inn also offers a barbeque facility for large groups or corporate clients, who can choose from the Texas hog gourmet or classic barbeque varieties. With its rustic charm, great food, drink and freshly brewed coffee, the Countryman Inn is a warm and welcoming place. It was the regional winner of the Les Routiers Dining Pub of the Year 2005.