The Shave Cross Inn

Dorset thatch roofs this charming 14th-century cob-and-flint inn, which it delightfully situated off-the-beaten tracks down narrow lanes in the beautiful Marshwood Vale, deep in Thomas Hardy country. It was once a resting place for pilgrims and other monastic visitors on their way to Whitchurch Canonicorum to visit the shrine to St Candida and St Cross. While they were at the inn they had their tonsures trimmed, hence the pub's name. Step inside cosy bar to find head-cracking beams, stone floors, a huge inglenook fireplace, rustic furnishings, and local Branscombe Branoc ale on tap, as well as real farm ciders. The food here is both unusual and inspirational, with a strong Caribbean influence together with dishes originating as far afield as Fiji. A 'Genesis' starter may be spinach, coconut and crab soup, followed by a main course of Jamaican jerk pork tenderloin with pineapple compôte and fried plantin, or Creole whole sea bass. Leave room for chocolate truffle torte then retire to one of the individually designed luxury bedrooms.