ESCAPE, EAT, WALK...
O’ER THE HILL AND O’ER THE VALE Nothing restores the body and mind – and builds a healthy appetite – like a brisk walk in the countryside
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCK
Fancy a couple of nights in the country with a frosty ramble, all hefty overcoats, woolly scarves and rosy cheeks, followed by a log fire and top-drawer dinner? The delicious. team round up four favourites
THE QUEENS ARMS
Corton Denham, Sherborne, Somerset (thequeensarms.com)
BY KAREN BARNES, EDITOR
WHY IT’S GREAT NOW The pub nestles at the foot of a hill in some of the prettiest countryside England has to offer… Think soft, folded and rolling – the type that looks even better tinged with frost. The views are stunning, while inside a fire roars, dogs loll around, a dazzling array of gins and whiskies beckons, and a tottering pile of homemade pork pies on the bar winks at you as you order a drink. And yes, this is still a proper drinking pub as well as having first-rate food. Hurrah!
THE FOODIE BIT It’s all local, it’s all seasonal, it’s tempting and it’s great. As well as pub classics like fish ‘n’ chips and burgers, there are more adventurous dishes too – perhaps braised ox cheek with tongue pastrami and carrot molasses, or brill with cider-braised cuttlefish and cockles. Puddings are vote-winners: pannacotta with ginger cake; chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream. Breakfast is all about the sausages, the Gloucester Old Spot bacon and the eggs.