The Greyhound Inn

The Greyhound is the type of place that welcomes you with open arms – owners Martyn and Catriona took over the Grade-II-listed Georgian property in 2014 and lovingly refurbished it. Set in Letcombe Regis, a pretty village in South Oxfordshire, it's a proper pub that serves top-notch food, with eight tastefully decorated bedrooms above (bestowed with 4 Gold Stars by the AA), if you're looking for a weekend retreat in the countryside.

Awarded CAMRA’s White Horse Region 'Country Pub of the Year’ from 2017-2019, and Muddy Stilettos 'Best Destination Pub' (voted by the public), the inn is a relaxed place for an ale, craft beer or cider, while the rooms upstairs provide a comfy space to unwind. Each has an en-suite, is individually decorated, and comes complete with a pocket spring mattress, flat screen TV and Bramley bath products – plus homemade biscuits, a thoughtful extra. For guests after something special for their loved one, flowers or a bottle of fizz can be arranged. And if you'd like a family suite, that's no problem either – opt for 'Lambourn' or 'Oxford'. Don't want to leave Fido at home? Bring him with you: a couple of the rooms are dog-friendly, with a dog bed, towel for muddy paws, treats, water bowl and poo bags provided. Your faithful companion is also welcome in the garden and bar area, where there are more treats and water bowls.

Much importance is placed on food at The Greyhound, something they're deservedly recognised for: in 2023, they were added to The Good Food Guide, awarded 2 Rosettes by the AA, and retained their place in the Michelin Guide. The regularly changing menu features an array of locally sourced produce, with imaginative dishes such as twice-baked cheddar soufflé (a popular mainstay), rabbit boudin with warm lentil and tarragon salad, pork belly and black pudding croquette, and wild mushroom and hazelnut parfait. But if pub classics are more your thing, go for the beer-battered haddock with chips, homemade sauce and mushy peas, or the burger with bacon jam, smoked cheddar and fries.

The area is the ideal spot for walkers: the ancient Ridgeway National Trail (described as Britain's oldest road) is close by, as is the Thames Path. And the friendly staff are more than happy to help with routes – they have a number mapped out for guests of varying lengths and difficulties. For those after something less strenuous, the historic market town of Wantage is just two miles from the inn and the Uffington White Horse (a 100-metre-long prehistoric hill figure formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk) is 15 minutes away by car. Then it's back to the pub for a pint in the bright, airy bar followed by dinner in one of the cosy dining rooms.