You could be in rural France as you take a forest drive to this creeper-covered stone inn 'scenically situated in rolling fields in the Longleat estate', with tables and umbrellas under pollarded limes. A fourth venture for the Beckford group (see The Beckford Arms, Tisbury), this dining pub-with-rooms with 'well-kept gardens' has a buzzy, relaxed vibe, flagstone and wood floors, assorted brown furniture, walls hung with vintage maps and Vanity Fair caricatures. A maze of corridors leads to 'nicely decorated' bedrooms in the signature style – pastel walls, seagrass flooring, no wardrobe, an 'excellent bathroom' with roll-top bath and/or walk-in shower, posh toiletries. Numbers 6 and 7 are attic rooms with low ceilings so avoid them if you are tall, our inspectors advise. There are further rooms in the stable block. Food, served by 'friendly, chatty staff' in the dining room or snug, or under canvas on the terrace, is sourced from local farmers and producers. Menus include dishes such as Thai marinated flank steak, garlic-fried pak choi and fries, along with pub classics. 'Loved the tomato and avocado purée, olive tapenade, salsa verde and pistachios.'