With its 15C origins and smartly thatched roof it looks like a typical English pub – and inside there’s a cosy beamed bar filled with locals kicking back after a day’s work – but this is no ordinary village local. Mike and Imogen bought the pub back in 2006 and have since put Murcott on the foodie map; they even grow their own vegetables and rear rare breed pigs out the back.

It’s a friendly, welcoming place: the rear extension has more of a restaurant feel, while the lively front bar is the place to be if you like a bit of atmosphere. You’ll always find a couple of refined pub classics on the menu but it comprises mainly of satisfying, full-flavoured restaurant-style dishes – maybe confit leg of Barbary duck followed by raspberry soufflé. For a quick snack try the Bar & Garden menu or for the full experience go for the 8 course tasting menu.