Red Lion Inn

For over 400 years, this eye-catching old inn has welcomed travellers on lanes threading along the Kennet Valley just outside the stirring Georgian town of Marlborough. From the flower-bedecked terrace (perfect for alfresco summer dining), divine views percolate to the river and this most peaceful stretch of countryside. It's located in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the popular walks in the remarkable, ancient Savernake Forest; ample opportunity to work up an appetite to sate at one of Wiltshire's finest dining inns. Tables and chairs cunningly constructed from half-barrels and squashy, all-too comfortable sofas dot the timeworn parquet flooring of the convivial bar, all beams and boards focussed on a huge inglenook fireplace. Elsewhere, brick and flint feature walls are the backdrop for the well-appointed lounges and Garden Restaurant, offering a choice of dining areas. Settle in with a vintage from the extensive wine list or a glass of own-label Axford Ale from the nearby Ramsbury micro-brewery and consider a menu which is strong on seasonal game and fish dishes with a contemporary European flavour. In the restaurant, start with twice-baked goat's cheese soufflé with beetroot or perhaps tempura of king prawns in beer-batter and chilli dip. Mains that make the most of Wiltshire's larder include braised rabbit with prunes and Madeira, flash-fried calves' liver with caramelised onions and bacon, or slowly braised lamb shank with a rosemary jus. Vegetarian options include home-made caramelised onion and fig tart with smoked cheddar and tomato. Completing the calorie top-up is a daily-changing dessert choice. The bar menu offers steak and Ramsbury ale pie, fish pie and Red Lion Aberdeen Angus burger with French fries, plus a variety of Caesar salads.