The Talbot, Ledbury

The oak-panelled dining room of The Talbot has a souvenir bullet in the wall from a skirmish between Roundheads and Cavaliers. How much more historic can you get? Packed with character and cosiness, this handsome 16th-century black-and-white coaching inn is just off the high street in the Herefordshire market town of Ledbury – a timbered old building with big doors, low ceilings, narrow corridors and creaky floorboards, and a warm, cosy, old-fashioned bar and friendly staff. There are 13 rooms, some old-fashioned, others more spacious with modern décor in the Old Stable Cottage. The Morgan Room has a huge bathroom/wet room and lots of space, so is particularly suitable for guests with disabilities. Lunch and dinner are served in the dining room, bar and courtyard, from menus that  highlight local, seasonal, unfussy food - fish and chips with Wadworth batter is good – with lots of gluten-free and vegetarian offerings. Local beers and ciders are on offer, plus unusually many wines by the glass, thanks to a state-of-the-art preservation system.