Craving a proper ale and hearty meal, we head through Oxfordshire towards The Chilterns for a stay at The Crown Inn, Benson and dinner at The Chequers Inn, Berrick Salome. Expect crackling fires, local pours from Hook Norton Brewery and refined British plates in beautifully restored, Grade II-listed village surrounds.

As rural pubs close at alarming rates, The Chequers Inn, Berrick Salome stands as a defiant celebration of community and craft. Led by chef Danny Thomas, the restored village inn pairs seasonal British cooking with local purpose, proving the country pub remains a vital, evolving hub worth championing and sustaining.