Baraset Barn

‘Foodie heaven with the bonus of nearby culture,’ was a Guide insider’s verdict on this restaurant-with-rooms a short spin by loan bike from Stratford-upon-Avon. The centrepiece is ‘an old barn, beautifully done out, with statement lights dangling from impossibly high, beamed ceilings’. In this ‘spectacular setting’, exciting small and large plates showcase local produce. ‘My son decreed the jerk barbecue baby back ribs with watermelon, chilli, ginger and coriander the best he’d tasted, unusual but delicious. My scallops with sticky pomegranate and sesame pork belly zinged with flavour.’ ‘Wonderful, imaginative menus,’ readers concur, and ‘lovely, cheerful staff’, but ‘we disliked the awful music’. ‘There is a slight US motel feel’ about the new-build bedroom block, where rooms have a Juliet balcony or terrace. ‘Our enormous room had a neutral palette, mustard and green chairs, an impressively large, powerful walk-in shower.’ Fresh milk in a fridge, an espresso machine and posh toiletries are welcome extras. ‘Breakfast was also particularly good, with plenty of fresh fruit and home-made yogurt.’ (Wendy Hill, JK)