The Great Shefford in the West Berkshire village of the same name, is a hidden gastronomic gem offering food and drink for all times of the day – coffee and pastries, simple bar menu, an a la carte menu with lots of foodie flair and a private dining tasting menu experience. It’s super friendly, dog friendly, with a wonderful team catering to your every need.

Head chef Sam Cary has an impressive CV having held Michelin starred posts at The Hand & Flowers and Whatley Manor. He is all about seasonal, local produce with current menu highlights including the scallops with leek and parmesan sauce, Halibut, Hasselback Potato, White Asparagus, Savoury Yeast Beurre Blanc and BBQ’d Monkfish, Parsnip Schnitzel, Katsu Curry. Don’t even think about passing on the bread and beef butter. It’s seriously good – and there’s plenty for veggies and vegans too.

The pub is just outside Hungerford on the River Lambourn, a couple of miles from J14 on the M4 so great if you want a break from the bustle or to combine with a walk – it’s dog friendly – and there are plenty of rural stomps. For groups you can dine at Sam’s Table, a lovely private dining space offering a tasting menu.

Like all visionary pub owners (even before the pandemic), The Great Shefford is casting its hospitality net wide. Swing by this countryside pub on foot, by car or bike and you’ll find The Little Shefford coffee shop, serving coffee, tea and pastries, an outdoor kitchen in the riverside garden terrace and a Farm Shop and even rooms are all coming further down the line.