The Dinton Hermit

A character called John Biggs inspired the name of this 16th-century, stone-built inn (now in new hands) in the Vale of Aylesbury. Local legend suggests that Biggs had been King Charles I's executioner in 1649, so he thought it prudent to go to ground and live as a recluse. At the bar you'll find real ales from Vale Brewery and monthly guests, as well as a wide selection of wines. Both the restaurant and the bar menus offer locally sourced regular favourites and seasonal specials. To convey the style, take a typical evening meal of seared breast of wood pigeon on Puy lentils, crispy leeks and pan juices as a starter; a main course of baked fillet of hake with crushed new potatoes, samphire and mussel broth; and, for dessert, glazed lemon tart with mascarpone ice cream. Contemporary accommodation includes six newly refurbished Barn Rooms. The garden is quite splendid.