On the banks of the River Avon, in a ‘charming’ village, stands ‘a pub-with-rooms that has real character and is clearly popular with the locals’. Trusted Guide readers on a return visit this year reported that Michelin-starred chef/proprietors Guy and Brittany Manning continue to run it with style. ‘We were delighted to discover that the menu is even better than we recalled.’ In the bar and dining room, ‘friendly, knowledgeable staff’ serve ‘exceptional’ and ‘delicious’ modern British dishes. Perhaps roast halibut with Cornish mussels; herb-roast guineafowl, potato millefeuille and Wye valley asparagus. Bedrooms, in the Troutbeck Guesthouse across the road, enjoy a private wooden deck with river views; each has rich soothing hues, contemporary bathroom, king-size bed. ‘Delightfully appointed’ Manser is dog-friendly; Benjamin has a roll-top, claw-foot bath. ‘We awoke to the sight of the River Avon, a grebe on the water, and beyond, rolling fields with sheep. Bliss.’ Breakfast, including a full English, home-made muffins and jams, is ‘splendid’. ‘It goes from strength to strength. We would go out of our way to stay here again.’ (Terence Bendixson, Chris and Erika Savory)