The Royal Standard of England

Wonky of beam and weathered of pew, this country pub north of Beaconsfield claims to be England's oldest freehouse, and certainly looks the part. Tucked up a lane near the village of Forty Green, it's a wonderful warren of a place, with drinking nooks behind stained glass screens, and a dining room festooned with candelabras, tapestries and suits of armour. A mixed crowd of locals, tourists, walkers and families share a jovial atmosphere. Beer aficionados will find much to savour on a list of tipples that includes the products of many small, local breweries and an international selection of 'Trappist and Abbey Ales'. The food menu (sorry, 'bill of fare of vittals') is a mix of locally-sourced pub stalwarts (sausages from local 'porkers' made on the premises) and daily local game. The back of the menu has a lengthy history of the place, from Saxon brewhouse to modern hauntings. To the side of the pub there's a pleasant short walk past woodland and a wildflower meadow wheeled over by red kites – pick up a walk leaflet inside.