Michelin-starred gastropub The Hind’s Head in Bray has been in Heston Blumenthal’s culinary stable since 2004, earning itself a reputation for bold flavours of historical dishes and Heston’s innovations, served in a relaxed pub setting. You’re always welcome to prop up the bar and dive into the snack menu. There’s no pretentiousness here.

The seasonal menu of comforting British classics takes its inspiration from the history books and gives old dishes a little culinary craftsmanship. Think Scotch Egg (it’s stuff of legend), pork pie, fish, and shepherd’s pie which is just that cut above your standard pub grub. You absolutely cannot leave without trying Heston’s triple cooked chips. Divine. There’s a kids and Sunday lunch menu available too, so you can enjoy a special family meal without having a ‘my kids only eat fish fingers’ panic. Eyes peeled for the various special food, music, and wine nights throughout the year, plus dining deals during the school holidays as well.

Reflecting its hunting lodge and coaching inn past, the vibe inside is quirky, with a nod to the many royal connections. The main dining area is cosy (there are three fireplaces to warm the cockles), and character oozes from every beam. Upstairs you’ll find the Royal Lounge – essentially a cocktail bar, with tweed and velvet furnishings, taxidermy and dim lighting.

The dramatic private dining room is also on this floor – The Vicar’s Room, painted deep red with teasing, tongue-in-cheek references to the building’s association with Simon Alleyn, the infamous Vicar of Bray. A dining table created from a single trunk of oak dominates the room with space for 10 to 20 people under a pair of parlour chandeliers depicting the heads of Queens Mary I and Elizabeth I. The Hind’s Head in Bray is a truly special place to dine.