Sign of the Angel

Visitors flock to the National Trust village of Lacock for its cobbled streets and stone cottages. They’ve graced the screens of many a costume drama, including Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice.

In-the-know gastronomes make a beeline for Sign of the Angel (Lacock’s only two-AA-rosette restaurant), a 15th-century coaching inn that oozes olde-worlde charm while crafting modern British food.

Sustainable, local produce forms the bedrock of dishes such as venison haunch with beetroot, rainbow chard, king oyster mushrooms, celeriac and horseradish puree and peppercorn sauce. Showstopper desserts include the likes of dark chocolate and brandy delice with honeycomb, strawberries and cream.

Well-executed classics are not in short supply either and take the form of dishes such as battered Cornish fish and triple-cooked chips, and burgers with chorizo jam (a mushroom and pine nut alternative is available for vegetarians). Plus, there’s always a comforting pie of the day to be had.

Stop by during the daytime to take advantage of the three tapas-style dishes served with olives and bread, or make a night of it and book one of the five homely rooms. Each has original period features, which make for a quintessentially English country-inn experience.

Trencherman’s tip

The relaxing pub is a charmingly romantic spot at any time of the year. In summer, while away the hours in the suntrap garden devouring small plates or a cream tea. Winter provides the opportunity to cosy up by the wood burners and dine by candlelight.