Dog

Hands-on licensees in handsome old pub with first class food, local ales, friendly staff and seats on terrace; bedrooms

Contemporary touches in this medieval inn have been thought out with care, so they blend easily with the heavy beams and nice old brickwork. The carpeted bar has a woodburning stove in an inglenook fireplace with armchairs grouped around in front, more armchairs against the walls, a cushioned window seat, dog motifs on the back of leather chairs and a white-painted piano; dotted about are fabric dogs, dog cartoons and prints on grey paintwork, pub games and daily papers. Swivelling wooden stools line the counter where they keep Harveys Best and a guest beer on handpump and nice wines by the glass; background music and board games. One part of the dining room has metal and animal-hide chairs and upholstered wall banquettes around wooden tables on wide floorboards, a few animal-hide stools by the bar and an open fire. An airy second room has a woodburning stove, high-backed tartan or leather chairs around more tables on flagstones and plants on windowsills. Outside on the terrace are grey or white up-to-date chairs and tables and a gazebo. They have eight stylish, well equipped and individually styled bedrooms and breakfasts are particularly good.