No jukeboxes, fruit machines, plasma screens or other techno wizardry disturb the peace at this instantly appealing 17th-century free house, which has been run by the Stokes family for more than 50 years. Sit in the bar and enjoy some chat, or park yourself outside with pint of Adnams, Nethergate or one of the guest ales. You can even browse the collection of books for sale, order a glass of wine and cosy up in a corner for a quiet read. The lunchtime menu is exactly what’s required – no fancy gastro stuff, just decent ploughman’s, soup, sandwiches, the occasional burger and suchlike. Accommodation is available in the Gate House B&B next door. No wonder it’s popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.