Mentioned in Tess of the d’Urbervilles and located near the birthplace of its author Thomas Hardy, two-AA-rosette The Acorn Inn in Evershot offers everything you’d expect from a history-steeped English coaching inn. Exposed ceiling beams, oak-panelled walls and roaring log fires all reference its 16th-century origins. However, it’s the award-winning restaurant that attracts a contemporary clientele.

Chef Ana Martins compiles seasonally changing menus that capitalise on Dorset‘s finest produce while staying refreshingly unpretentious. The bounty of the local coast and countryside can be seen in dishes such as saddle of suckling pig with black pudding bon bon, potato pavé, jerusalem artichoke, pea velouté and cider jus. Veggie and vegan diners are also well catered for with a growing number of options incorporating fungi, grains and spices.

Attempt to save a little room as The Acorn Inn, Evershot, is renowned for puddings such as its deconstructed rhubarb and custard confection with sweet shortcrust pastry and rhubarb gelato.

Trencherman’s tip

Those after the full coaching inn experience should book a bed for the night, which further opens up the opportunity to explore the expansive drinks list. The cocktail line-up namechecks South West spirits including Conker Gin, Black Cow Vodka and Devon Rum Co., while local wines come courtesy of West Dorset’s Furleigh Estate.