Kings Head, The

Housed in a 17th century building situated opposite the church and village green in the heart of Ivinghoe, much of The Kings Head's historical past remains intact in its oak beams, log fires and antique furniture. The walled garden is a tranquil oasis to enjoy an aperitif or settle down with an after dinner coffee.

Smoked salmon, warm new potato and watercress salad with pickled red onion and quail's eggs jostle with bouillabaisse, rouille and croutons on the starters section. Main courses of medallions of beef fillet from Buccleuch, flambéed at your table with brandy and accompanied by green peppercorn and cream, and roasted Aylesbury duckling and apple sauce with calvados, sage and onion stuffing underline the instinctive British philosophy of the kitchen. To end, a pot of coffee and petit fours may be hard to resist.

The banqueting suite with its own facilities and a separate bar could just be the right place to host wedding breakfasts or dinner parties.