Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel

The name suggests Wales, but this noble Georgian rectory actually sits on the last hill in England before you leave Shropshire. Pen-y-Dyffryn makes a perfect foodie bolt-hole: with splendid hiking along Offa's Dyke on the doorstep to sharpen the appetite, followed by that eminently civilised convention, afternoon tea on the terrace, taken with a glorious hilly backdrop, you'll be in the mood for the evening's main culinary event. The kitchen makes the most of the Welsh Marches' top-notch produce in daily-changing menus of skilfully-cooked modern ideas. The repertoire might kick off with a terrine of local brown hare served with pistachios and apricots, soused raisin and caper purée, and toasted brioche. Main courses show a similar fondness for robust flavours, teaming loin of pork with parsnip purée, roasted baby onions, black pudding, apple and vanilla and organic cider cream sauce. End on a savoury note with local cheeses with Welsh rarebit, oatcakes and home-made chutney.