'In a quaint hamlet, this dining pub-with-rooms has been a labour of love for two local couples' who turned a defunct curry house into 'the perfect village inn', writes a Guide inspector. 'It's a real locals' local, but visitors are made to feel very welcome.' The 'beautiful interiors' were designed by one of the owners, art dealer Clemy Sheffield. 'The classics are all there – log-burner, flagstone floor, wooden tables and chairs – but there are modern additions too', a comfy sofa, Martin Parr photos in the loos. Bedrooms are 'as carefully designed as the public rooms'. Vale had 'an antique desk, an oversized fabric headboard that matched the purple throws, a mustard-colour chair, botanical prints'. A reader who booked the two-bedroom converted stables across the green found it 'delightful', and the food 'several cuts above the normal pub grub'. 'Its absolutely amazing,' our insider confirms. As well as pub staples there are 'more unusual creations. My torched salmon with hispi cabbage and tiger prawn spring roll, followed by celeriac schnitzel with truffle dressing was superb.' 'Breakfast didn't disappoint.' (Christine Hodgkin, and others)