Wheatsheaf Combe Hay, The

Combe Hay can only be referred to as 'Paradise Found' as it was recently named 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 with a fifteenth century tower, a Georgian manor house, babbling brook and a restaurant named 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 terrine of local game with red onion marmalade, slow roast belly pork, and pan-fried wild halibut with artichoke and shellfish emulsion.

To start, there might be a sesame coated tuna with mango salsa and wasabi foam or loin of venison with apple and truffle risotto and celeriac salad. Main courses are equally eclectic with roast saddle of rabbit, black pudding tortellini and tarragon pomme puree; breast of Somerset duck with chorizo and bean cassoulet, and sweet potato and courgette lasagne. Notable desserts include pineapple jelly with coconut foam, sorbet and pannacotta or the trio of Valrhona chocolate.

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. The Japanese lager and the local ale and cider are a pleasant nod to a different 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.