The Hare & Hounds

Newbury in Berkshire is a horse-racing town, so no surprise at an old coaching inn with an equestrian vibe. But following a chic renovation, the 17th-century Hare & Hounds, on the edge of town in the village of Speen, has brought a whole lot more to the table, from classy rooms to superior dining.

There are 30 guest rooms spread across four adjacent buildings, from stables to former coach house, and all have been given a rather chic country makeover. Expect muted, painted panelling and pretty bed throws, but also a horse picture here and an antler light fitting there, and you won't go too far wrong. Styles, size and aspect vary according to location, but they are all very handsome, with coordinated colours and furnishings, quality king-size beds and en-suite wet rooms. Deluxe rooms have bigger, super-king-size beds and a tad more space, while there are two suites in the coach house (one in the attic)  where you also get a roll-top copper bath. Biggest of all is the Bridle Suite in one of the lodges, with copper bath, walk-in rain shower, his-and-her sinks and your own built-in bar. Ground-floor rooms are dog-friendly – they'll put a dog bed, bowl and treat box in the room for your pet. One of the ground floor rooms is fully accessible with a lower bed and wet room bathroom.

That's only the half of it, though, because the pub and barn dining room are also really comfortable – and while there's a rustic elegance and a horsey vibe, it's not at all formal or fancy: just good, locally sourced food and drink, from artisan cheeses to craft ales. There's fish and chips, or chicken and ham pie, but also anything from a flat-iron steak to a plant-based burger. Saturday brunch is one for family and friends, and a lounge around with the newspapers, or a stop-off for Sunday lunch after a stroll – sorry, canter – in the nearby North Wessex Downs.