The village of Ilmington is set in a crook of the Cotswold Hills, and on the picturesque village green you’ll find the Howard Arms, a 400-year-old Cotswold stone inn. The stylishly simple interior is light and airy with a nice mix of old furniture, broad polished flagstones and a log fire that burns most of the year. Upstairs are three lovely bedrooms adorned with stylish antiques. The breakfasts are notably good.

The imaginative menu offers plenty of variety and changes two or three times per week. Given the tremendous quality of the locally sourced and freshly prepared food, prices are very fair. Remember to leave room for the legendary desserts. Well kept ales (Old Hooky among others) join organic soft drinks and cider on the drinks list, and the wine list is well compiled with an eclectic mixture of old and new world varietals, with over 20 served by the glass.

The garden is delightful in summer with fruit trees sheltering the lawn and plenty of outside tables under parasols on a neat york stone terrace. Should you over indulge, it is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll around the village or indeed on the nearby hills.