Gaggle of Geese

An extraordinary village inn with a heart of gold, the Gaggle harks back to times past when many villages could claim such a retreat. Now as rare as hen's teeth (there's a twice-yearly poultry auction here, so who knows…); step from the lane into the large front parlour, complete with sofas, wingbacks in front of the welcoming fire, bookshelves, matchboarding and scrubbed tables. A glance at the bar reveals well-lubricated handpumps dispensing beers from Hop Back and Otter breweries, farmhouse ciders and a perry from the local Bridge Farm. The treats continue with a skittles alley, whilst the grounds host a cricket pitch, croquet lawn and orchard. Just like the Tardis, the inside expands to reveal a sizeable, well-appointed restaurant, where top-notch meals include many sourced from the home farm of landlord Mark Hammick. Be tempted by a starter of Pecker's pan-fried pigeon breast with poached egg, lardons and pan juices, but do leave room for pan-fried loin and fillet of Cheselbourne venison with miniature venison cottage pie, braised red cabbage and fondant potato; or crispy skinned sea bass with green Thai butternut squash broth; completing with mulled wine poached pear with Blue Vinny ice cream.