The Stag Inn

High-quality service is the keynote at the imposing Stag Inn, which offers a distinctive flair in the treatment of modern British dishes. The pub stands in a picture-postcard village overlooking the huge Elizabethan-style stately home of Mentmore Towers, which was built in 1855 for Baron Amschel de Rothschild. The surrounding farmland supplies head chef Chris West with fresh seasonal produce for his popular menus. Typical of the starters are baked free-range duck egg with potato and herb hash; and the inn's own maple-smoked duck breast with celeriac coleslaw. Loin and confit leg of rabbit with fondant potato and white onion purée appeals as a main course. Familiar sweets, such as sticky toffee pudding, appear among lesser known ones; if in doubt, go for the assiette of five miniature desserts. The full menu is available in the bar and restaurant, as well as in the pub's lovely summer garden, although the kitchen is closed on Mondays.