In this age of new generation dining destinations, it is pleasing to see places such as The Swan doing exceedingly well. Located on the banks of the River Soar in a Grade II listed building, the freehouse is a traditional 17th century inn in the village of Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. The AA four star enterprise offers visitors a large bedroom in an apartment style suite.

Sit by a roaring log fire and treat yourself to good real ales, wine and spirits. Food can be enjoyed inside or out in the riverside garden in summer. A regularly changing menu of hot and cold food is on offer at lunchtime while a traditional three-course roast lunch is served on Sundays.

British and European classics such as steak and kidney pudding, mussels in a lime and ginger broth, and seared breast of pigeon with caramelised beetroot are all homemade. A special bistro night is organised on the fourth Monday of each month, and a steak-frites evening on the second Monday of each month is popular among customers.