The Chestnut Horse is hidden in the idyllic village of Easton and housed in a 16th century building, yet it continues to inspire much appreciation from locals as well as those who arrive from further afield. Inside, diners might spot beamed ceilings lined with collectable tankards and teapots in the bar area, and a roaring log fire in wintertime adds to the pleasing ambience.

The menu is heavy on gastropub and traditional British food with starters such as smoked salmon parfait and sauce vierge and moules mariniere, while the chicken and pistachio nut quenelles with choron sauce is a stand out. Honey glazed rabbit saddle and wild mushroom brioche parcel, prime Scotch rib eye steak and Bombay crusted hake fillet with lemon confit potatoes and creamed leeks restore faith in conventional styles of cooking.

On a hot summer evening there are few places better to enjoy a pint of beer than at the decked area at the rear of The Chestnut Horse with a riot of flowers of the Itchen Valley countryside to keep you company.