Red Lion Inn Axford, The

Housed in a 16th century building, the Red Lion Inn, located in the delightful market town of Marlborough certainly draws attention on all counts, from the charming interior with ancient beams and an inglenook fireplace, to the panoramic views of the River Kennet flowing nearby. Add to this a seasonal menu featuring game and fish and you can be sure of a wonderful dining experience.

A quick survey of the starters might reveal six bourguignon escargots with garlic and chopped parsley, homemade Wiltshire ham hock terrine with sauce gribiche, and warm salad of woodpigeon with lardons of smoked bacon and black pudding. For main courses expect to find confit of slowly braised belly pork served with a sauté of scallops and dressed with a honey and sweet chilli glaze and coriander, while sautéed frogs legs in rich garlic and tomato introduces a whiff of La France to this very English inn.

During summer months, the terrace at The Red Lion Inn is teeming with lunchtime crowd enjoying sunshine, fresh air and fine food.