The popularity of this great English traditional inn peaks at the time of the Cheltenham races, but in truth tends to persist throughout the year, always full of jovial, largely non-pc people with tales to tell, thirsts to quench and appetites to satisfy.

Renowned for its breakfasts on race days, and any other time when it is appropriate, and sometimes when it's not, they are also famous for the Asparagus Suppers during the season.

The interior of the pub is as unspoiled as the customers, the sort of atmosphere that you dream of when marooned in some foreign hell-hole, with traditional ales, open fires and ever open doors - well, most of the time.

The food is just great - no fancy stuff, well cooked, appetising dishes for hungry people. Start with great fat tiger prawns on shredded lettuce with a lime and ginger mayonnaise, and you have their luxury prawn cocktail, closely followed by crispy coated whitebait served with homemade tartare sauce.

Main courses list half a crisp roasted Norfolk duck served with caramelized orange and Cointreau sauce, or the much loved homemade steak, ale and mushroom pie in a rich Donnington ale gravy, thatched with short crust pastry.

With a wine list that more than meets the expectations of the menu, hand-drawn local beers, jolly wenches coping ably with the serving, this really is a place for the robust and those for whom life is made for enjoyment.

There must be many others who feel that for them this would have to be the appointment of their choice when contemplating their ultimate day out.