A first foray into pub-keeping by the Pig group and just across the road from a full-grown Pig, this old stone village local has six stylish bedrooms under the eaves, cosy spaces for eating and drinking, and a menu of hearty, traditional pub fare with the odd more modern dish.

This traditional dog friendly, child friendly village local and dining pub, with four rooms above and five in a garden annexe, has received a new lease of life under new owner Tom Downing.

Our inspectors enjoyed their stay at Alex Morbey's honeyed-stone gastropub with thoughtfully designed rooms and excellent cooking in the busy restaurant.

Part of the Daylesford Organic empire, this is a modern take on a traditional country inn – think open fires and lemon trees, craft ales and cocktails, pub classics and dishes with an Italian spin, and effortlessly stylish bedrooms.

On the banks of the River Colne, in a village described by William Morris as the most beautiful in England, this updated 17th-century coaching inn, part of the Cotswold Inn and Hotels group, mixes county style and contemporary comfort in well-equipped bedrooms.

With quiz nights, a jukebox, a buzzy bar and classic pub grub in a choice of dining spaces, the 18th-century Royal Oak has a lively community feel, while visitors can choose one of six bedrooms in a converted outbuilding.

Carefully renovated in keeping with its traditional character, this 16th-century coaching inn has 16 boutique bedrooms and suites blending original features with contemporary chic, while the pub menu specialises in burgers (including meat-free ones), and interesting small plates.

Without and within, this dog-friendly, family-friendly, extended 19th-century pub, part of the Butcombe chain, is a mix of traditional and modern, with a relaxed vibe, varied menus and smart, unstuffy bedrooms.