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Boat

In a pretty setting almost alone by a church and on the banks of the River Dee, this is a lovely 17th-c golden-stone inn with seats and tables on a terrace overlooking the water. Inside, the beamed and flagstoned interior has been carefully refurbished while preserving its old-fashioned charm and easy-going country atmosphere. A rambling warren of rooms includes the chatty bar with armchairs next to a fine old range, a group of high chairs around a central, equally high barrel table and chairs by the counter where courteous, helpful staff serve five real ales on handump such as Salopian or Weetwood with at least three regional beers (from Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire) and an impressive 30-plus wines by the glass; they also distil their own gin, the Spirit of Erbistock. There are more open fires, a woodburner and a varied and attractive mix of chairs, settles and built-in wall seats around polished tables on rugs and floorboards in the other dining areas. The walls (bare stone in part) are hung with mirrors, framed prints and photographs and a stag's head; do note the elegant antler chandelier.