Wheatsheaf Combe Hay, The

Combe Hay could well be referred to as 'Paradise Found' following its recent naming in The Times top twenty most desirable villages to live in the UK. Nestling in an area of outstanding beauty at the southern tip of the Cotswolds, this beautiful hamlet comes complete with a church and fifteenth century tower, a Georgian manor house, babbling brook and a restaurant named as a 'Rising Star' in the Michelin guide. With the consistent quality standards that The Wheatsheaf now maintains, it may not be too long before it receives that coveted star.

Owners Ian and Adele Barton have endeavoured to make this restaurant a haven for food and wine lovers. Take a walk in the lush terrace garden or step into the rustic yet trendy interior before settling for a delicious meal. The accommodation at The Wheatsheaf is in keeping with the rural surroundings and, at the same time, stylishly simple. And who says villages are totally spared by rush hour traffic? You can occasionally hear the clip-clop of horses' hooves or perhaps the odd tractor!

The kitchen, under the able hands of Head Chef Lee Evans, celebrates all things British with some global influences, carefully balancing aroma, flavour and texture with dishes such as fillet of red gurnard with celeriac and artichoke remoulade and braised blade of beef with caramelised button onions and salsify.

To start, there might be a steamed rabbit pudding with wild mushrooms and pommery foam or Brixham crab with shellfish nage and coriander oil. Main courses are equally eclectic with pot roast Wiltshire woodpigeon with black pudding puree and cured belly pork or pave of halibut with gem lettuce, ragoût of potato, celery and cider sauce. Notable desserts include nougat parfait with pineapple smoothie and pineapple crisp or almond and prune d'agen cake with amaretto ice cream and amalfi lemon custard. There is a full cheese menu alongside coffee and handmade petit fours.

Whether you are looking for a simple Sauvignon or a rare vintage, the wine list delivers without burning a hole in your pocket. Ian has included some of his private collection and is passionately pro-European. The official house champagne Louis Roederer with its history and quality aptly reflects the standard at The Wheatsheaf. Japanese lager and the local ale and cider are a pleasant nod to a more rumbustious culture.

At a time and age when the people rush to work against the clock, The Wheatsheaf is a timely reminder to slow down, unwind and enjoy the finer things in life; let their Website tell you even more about that.