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Kings Head

In a picturesque location opposite the green in a tranquil village, this smart yet cosy inn charms readers year after year - it's a winner in every way. It's a lovely place to stay, with six rooms above the inn itself and another six more spacious ones around a courtyard, all imaginatively and elegantly furnished; breakfasts are particularly good. Most people head first to the friendly, bustling main bar: ancient beams and other characterful furnishings (high-backed wooden settles, gate-leg or pedestal tables), a warming log fire in a stone inglenook, fine old flagstones and sporting memorabilia relating to rugby, racing, cricket and hunting. To the left, a drinking area has built-in wall benches, stools and dining chairs around wooden tables, rugs on bare boards and a woodburning stove. Attentive, welcoming staff serve Hook Norton Hooky and guests from breweries such as Butcombe, Prescott, Purity and Wye Valley on handpump, a super wine list with 15 by the glass, an excellent choice of malt whiskies and gins; background music, board games and cards. There are seats out in front and rattan-style armchairs around tables in the pretty back courtyard garden with a pagoda; maybe free-range bantams and ducks. The same professional licensees also run the Swan at Swinbrook (in Oxfordshire).