Bants

The Bant family named this pub after themselves, which gives you an idea of how personal things are in their roadside hostelry set in glorious open countryside between Worcester & Stratford-upon-Avon. The whole place has a friendly, down-to-earth vibe, whether you are drinking at the bar, relaxing in the spacious conservatory or eating in the traditional dining room (complete with an open fire). The kitchen makes much use of local produce for a menu that is as robust as the pub itself. To start, there might be creamy smoked haddock & spinach risotto with tomato salsa & parmesan shavings, followed by slow-cooked brisket of beef & oxtail braised in Guinness served with root vegetables & garlicky colcannon mash. Portions are generous, but it’s worth saving room for dessert – sticky treacle, date, apricot & walnut tart with custard, say, or warm chocolate fudge brownie with chocolate ice cream.