Most country hotels proudly draw attention to their mature gardens or sweeping woodlands, but at Jersey Farm it's the 12 acres of farmland populated by the customary farm animals, including Jersey and Highland cattle and the rather less customary Llamas who seem to have settled into their new surroundings with remarkable sang-froid. The predictable legislation forbids them to use their own Jersey milk and butter on the premises but the very traditional English cuisine offers many other treats, much of which could be described as well presented comfort food.

A smoked chicken, hamhock and leek terrine makes a tasty starter before you progress to the Carvery where ample portions from the four choices of roast await your pleasure. Should this fail to stir there is a good range of alternative main courses, with excellent steaks and vegetarian options. The local game casserole with mini herb dumplings and root vegetable bash roused pleasant memories of shooting lunches past. To add sticky toffee pudding to such a repast might be misconstrued but in the hearty surroundings of Jersey Farm it seems completely appropriate.