Raven Hotel

A one-time local GP, William Brookes, is arguably the founding father of the modern Olympic movement (and was acknowledged as such by Baron Coubertin), having organised an Olympian Games in Much Wenlock in 1850. Worth dwelling on if you're anywhere near the Raven during Britain's Olympic year. The place is a fine old beamed country inn, with log fires, hand-pumped ales and, just as essential these days, an ambitious young kitchen brigade determined to share their enthusiasm for local produce with you. A starter of local asparagus in May is lightly poached and served with a chive beurre blanc, or there might be a jet-set ensemble of seared scallops, black pudding and smoked beetroot purée sharply dressed in mint. After a sorbet refresher, it's on to rack of Stottesdon lamb with aubergine and spiced sweet potato, or Morville beef fillet in wild mushroom sauce. Cheeses from hereabouts look sorely tempting, if you haven't already been led astray by something like blueberry cheesecake with matching coulis and apple jelly. The bar menu offers simpler, lighter dishes.