The Stagg Inn

The first pub in Britain to be awarded a Michelin star, The Stagg is still making the grade. This is a substantial place, with a fine, cream-painted brick frontage, a bit of a garden and lovely views, overseen by husband-and-wife team Steven and Nicola Reynolds. Ingredients are local – pigeons from the woods, lamb and beef from the hills and venison from just up the road – and they are handled with aplomb. Mr Reynolds is a savvy chef (he trained with the Roux brothers at Le Gavroche), who shows an appreciation for the qualities of his produce and knows that it takes more intelligence to leave well alone than it does to doll it up. Bars snacks include the Stagg’s famous three cheese ploughman’s. Good wine list and no music. Hurrah.