Golden Lion

Set in idyllic Warwickshire countryside, this charming free house has its bar and restaurant in the original 16th-century building, which retains many original features, including log fires, low beams and wattle-and-daub walls. Run by the Austin family since 1931, you'll find real ales such as Young's Bitter and Wells Bombardier in the bar, as well as excellent food and service, with a wide choice of sandwiches, baguettes and ploughman's; a traditional Sunday lunch carvery and speciality nights - the French bistro or the taste of Asia evening perhaps. The restaurant menu may feature seared scallops, black pudding and bacon salad; mussels braised in cream and cider; or garlic and stilton mushrooms on toasted ciabatta to start; followed by lamb and apricot pie; braised lamb shank with creamy mash and redcurrant jus; or a red Thai chicken curry. The adjoining contemporary hotel has 20 well equipped bedrooms.