Sawley, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“Pleasant old pub, with a modern dining room at the rear, in the Derbyshire countryside near Ashbourne”. “Very competent” cooking emerges from the kitchen of chef Gareth Ward, “including top-class fish (from the same source as sister establishment The Cow at Dalbury) – not often do you find both turbot and halibut on offer alongside good-quality local beef and lamb”.

“Remember to order oysters in advance if you go for the Thursday seafood special” at this contemporary restaurant in a thatched building (dating from 1590), in a Leicestershire village near Loughborough that’s home to arguably England’s most famous fox hunt. Each night has a different culinary theme or style and it was well-rated all-round this year.

“Owned by ex-England cricketer Stuart Broad, this country pub has hit a rich seam of form with its “great vibe”, “interesting menu of well-cooked food” and “super Sunday lunch”. It’s also enjoying a second innings, having been refurbished to the tune of £1.3 million following a disastrous fire in 2022.