The Hand & Flowers

An unassuming 18th-century pub on the outskirts of this upmarket town, The Hand & Flowers quickly became a destination for food-lovers after Tom and Beth Kerridge bought the lease in 2005. Despite gaining three AA Rosettes in its first year, the pub remains a relaxed and unpretentious place, with flagstone floors, old beams and timbers, roaring winter log fires, walls lined with striking modern art and leather banquettes. A small bar area serves decent real ale, while the friendly, knowledgeable service also helps to set the tone of the place. Tom's cooking is broadly modern British, underpinned by classical French techniques; simplicity, flavour and skill are at the top of his agenda. The seasonally-changing menu is built around top-notch produce. Start with salmon tartare with poppy seed crackers and continue with tenderloin of Wiltshire pork with pickled mustard leaf. Be wowed by desserts such as pistachio cake with melon sorbet and marzipan.