The Rattlebone Inn

The Rattlebone is named after the legendary Saxon warrior John Rattlebone, who is said to haunt this lovely 16th-century Cotswolds pub, which boasts roaring winter fires and bags of character. A lively drinkers' pub, it offers real ales, organic cider and many wines by the glass. Its menus, created by head chef Roger Payne, are best described as 'country bistro' and proffer such delights as breast of pheasant with black pudding and wild mushroom and chestnut tagliatelle. Outside are three boules pistes, two gardens and a beautiful skittle alley. It's also the home of Mangold Hurling, a slightly insane West Country sport.