Fox and Hounds Inn

For years the Fox and Hounds Inn had been tucked away in a corner of the North Cotswolds, the secret guarded by locals and the few outsiders who had penetrated through the undergrowth. Now they offer a warm welcome to all, with log fires when needed, traditional ales and over 180 whiskies to hand.

Preferring to be known as a pub that serves good food, they work from a limited menu that deploys freshly prepared meals. The menu tracks the seasons, but whatever the day you will always find a steak, gammon, haddock or scampi. Starters may feature crisp whitebait with brown bread and butter, salad garnish and homemade tartar sauce while the main event takes in a grilled swordfish steak topped with black olive tapénade on a bed of rocket with parsley, new potatoes and vegetables of the season.

To finish with orange and almond cake, served with Greek yoghurt, caramelised oranges in orange syrup is no hardship whatsoever.