Royal Forester

The energetic will love the Royal Forester. Just opposite is the main visitor centre for the vast Wyre Forest & those who fancy exploring its labyrinthine paths can hire bikes from the pub if they don’t want to attempt them on foot. Even if burning up calories doesn’t appeal, the place is a treat. Collapse into the smart leather sofas in the bar with the newspapers before, or after, an indulgent meal in the rambling dining rooms. The food aims high with imaginative flavour combinations – ravioli of smoked salmon, crayfish & ricotta with sage pesto for example – & there’s a welcome reliance on local produce, especially meat, whether it’s the choice of Sunday roasts or a richly flavoured wild duck & rabbit terrine. If you’re up to tackling the pudding list, say a warm brownie with cream, or cherry & almond tart, those sofas will be irresistible.