In the very centre of Hindon sits the Lamb, a good example of a traditional country inn with food and drink to match, serving an appreciative local population for whom there are just enough of the little extras to make this a home away from home where one can eat without having to do a calculation first. In late 2004, it was purchased by Boisdale, whose two restaurants in London have a reputation for quality and eclectic style.

The Lamb Inn dates back to the 17th century and was originally a coaching inn. Just one mile off the A303, the hotel stands in the heart of Hindon, an attractive unspoilt Wiltshire village. Its excellent location makes it a great place to stay if you are en route to the South West. Alternatively if you want to explore the local area, Salisbury, Shaftesbury and many other places of historical interest are only a short distance away by car.

Ranald Macdonald, Managing Director of the Boisdale Group commented at the time: 'We are delighted to have acquired such a beautiful historic coaching inn. This is our first venture outside London and we are looking forward to spending much time in this stunningly beautiful part of the country. We are very aware of the responsibilities attached to running such a longstanding and much loved institution and will be careful to maintain its tradition.' As he is a man of his word, that philosophy has been stuck to ever since.

The Lamb is home to a striking restaurant with food that is sourced from local suppliers. Seldom does a menu make you want to try everything that is listed on it, but try resisting the tempting starters that could include the award-winning Dunkeld oak smoked Scottish salmon with lemon, shallots and baby capers, and Somerset pork pie with piccalilli.

While mains carry on in the same vein, with choices like local pork and herb sausages, mashed potato beer and onion gravy, and 16oz braised shank of lamb, mashed celeriac, young carrots and lamb gravy, while fish eaters and vegetarians are not forgotten.

The Lamb at Hindon has a positive warren of different bars, a private dining room and nineteen bedrooms. The oldest part of the present inn dates from the 14th century, but there was certainly an earlier building on the site since it is known that the Assizes were held there as far back as the middle of the 13th century.

The wine list has been given the Boisdale treatment, and is sufficiently travelled to excite the imagination. To learn more about The Lamb at Hindon, do visit their Website.