Gin Trap Inn, The

I first came upon the17th century Gin Trap Inn when walking the 53 mile Peddar's Way one glorious spring. We were on our last leg, though perhaps that should read 'legs' for we had but one mile to cover before reaching the end, at Holme.

In the circumstances we felt entitled to assume the mantle of the pilgrims who must have preceded us over the last hundreds of years, though many of them without the benefit of the warm welcome we received at this comfortable and unpretentious hostelry.

The décor is heavily loaded with gintraps, and non-smokers will be intrigued to hear that their dining room is especially favoured, but sadly no longer with its splendid collection of suspended chamber pots.

The food is traditional and unashamedly British, with such menu items as homemade steak and kidney pie, local sausages, Norfolk pie and one of the best Ploughman's lunches I've ever encountered. Expect to encounter the local oysters, mussels and samphire

This, of course, is Nelson country so it will come as no surprise to hear that Nelson's Revenge is a frequent guest beer. However the possibility of a French flavour in the beer is discounted by a handy wine list which has the real thing to offer.

Accommodation is very much an option with double rooms from £70.