The Red Lion Freehouse

A ‘laid-back, fire-in-the hearth, village pub atmosphere’ prevails at this thatched gastropub with riverside guest house on the edge of Salisbury Plain. It is ‘a lovely place to stay, in beautiful surroundings’. Chef/proprietors Guy and Brittany Manning make everything possible in-house, from Scotch eggs and sourdough to ice cream and doggie treats. You can dine in the bar/restaurant, or in the garden among the nasturtiums and broad beans. The menu includes dishes such as chargrilled chateaubriand or cod, roast romanesco, cauliflower purée, and brown shrimp. Across the road, stylish guest rooms have decking beside the River Avon from which to watch for otters. One reader had the ‘very comfortable’ Benjamin, with large rainwater shower, ‘terrific views, designer hip bath, all the bells and whistles’. Another regretted that dog-friendly Manser’s bathroom was only partially adapted for a wheelchair while commenting that otherwise, the place is ‘excellently run with attentive, well-trained staff and out-of-this world food’. Breakfast brings Brittany’s pastries, Buck’s Fizz or Bloody Mary. ‘Bound to return.’ (John Chambers, Mark Lowe)