The Royal Oak – Yattendon, Berkshire

You’ll be greeted with a cheery welcome at The Royal Oak, this superb redbrick inn in the charming village of Yattendon. It’s all that a great pub should be, from the beamed ceilings to the stocky wooden bar with proper ales on tap. Beyond the main bar and dining room lies a large sitting room with inviting, deep sofas and a huge open fire for chilly winter nights. On the other hand, in summer the suntrap garden is the sort of place where bottles of rosé disappear with merry swiftness. Best to soak it all up with some of head chef Nick MacGregor’s excellent, unfussy, locally sourced grub. You can also eat and drink in the fabulous glass-fronted orangery, whose bi-fold doors overlook the garden. Its centrepiece is a stunning open kitchen, with a three-tiered rotisserie, Argentine parrilla grill and pizza oven. And after a day of indulgence, where better to rest your sleepy head than in one of the ten light and airy bedrooms? A king-sized bed beckons, with luxury linens and gorgeous throws. The newly refurbished bathrooms are also stocked with beautiful Bramley products for that long soak in the roll-topped baths.

Doubles from £125 

+44 (0)1635 201325; royaloakyattendon.co.uk