The Bell, East Sussex

A cracking community pub and dining destination, The Bell Inn is a fabulous and offbeat place to stay. There's plenty to delight and inspire: original sagging beams ooze historic charm, modern art beckons from the walls, lampshades are adorned with bowler hats and books are stacked from floor-to-ceiling. Add to this an array of 1930s suitcases, stuffed taxidermy and vintage typewriters, and you have a quirky aesthetic that's bound to amuse.

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Red Lion Freehouse, Wiltshire

Hidden away in rolling downland on the edge of Salisbury Plain in the sleepy village of East Chisenbury is this charming 18th-century thatched freehouse. Despite its rustic exterior and rural setting, the Red Lion Freehouse is much more than just a local pub. Awarded a Michelin Star in 2013, the humble, traditional surroundings and the informal pub atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the quality of the cooking and the impressive range of the menu.

The Wheatsheaf Inn, Gloucestershire

Situated in the market town of Northleach, the creeper-covered, country-smart Wheatsheaf Inn boasts a fabulous dining room, characterful bar and 14 glamorous bedrooms. With well-chosen artworks, leather armchairs and open fireplaces, The Wheatsheaf is the kind of place you can squirrel yourself away and spend a day or two, and there's even a treatment room if you need some pampering.

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Lewinnick Lodge, Cornwall

In a jaw-dropping cliff-edge location on rocky Pentire Head with stunning ocean and headland views, Lewinnick Lodge is the hidden gem on the North Cornwall coast. This cool, contemporary and very stylish inn may only be a stroll away from surfy Fistral Beach, yet it's a world away from the lively hub-bub of Newquay.

Perched right on the edge of the Atlantic, just yards from the South West Coast Path, a stay at this coastal retreat is all about the sea, the dramatic views and the glorious sunsets. The fabulous cliff-top terrace and huge picture windows in the open-plan bar and restaurant ensure you can't escape the sea and the captivating coastal views.

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The Packhorse Inn, Suffolk

Rugs adorn polished floorboards and the bar is full of leather armchairs to sink into with a pint of ale and the papers. Its eight stunningly chic rooms make this a beautiful place to stay as well as dine. Eat alfresco at posh teak tables on sunny summer days in the sheltered side garden and enjoy the pastoral views across Moulton's vast village green. Despite its innovative menus and fresh culinary talent in the kitchen, it's still a local's pub at heart.

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The Riverside at Aymestry, Herefordshire,

Close to foodie Ludlow on the edge of Mortimer Forest in glorious walking country, this 16th-century, half-timbered inn stands tucked back from a stone bridge over the River Lugg against a backdrop of wooded hills. Chef-patron Andy Link has been at the helm for 16 years during which time he developed the fabulous kitchen garden (hidden up the hill above the garden rooms) and put this fine old inn firmly on the Herefordshire culinary map.

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Jack Russell Inn, Hampshire

Located in the highlands of Hampshire, this historic, dog-friendly inn offers unpretentious luxury in a tranquil countryside setting. 11 contemporary bedrooms - three in the pub and eight in a bespoke courtyard lodge - are perfectly designed retreats for rest and relaxation, with indulgent touches, such as generously sized walk-in rain showers, espresso machines and super-comfy king-sized beds, designed to make you feel a little spoilt.

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The Westleton Crown, Suffolk

Midway between the Suffolk staples of Aldeburgh and Southwold, this rambling old coaching inn underwent a stunning refurbishment in early 2020 and draws a discerning crowd for elegant, contemporary rooms and imaginative seasonal menus.

The hub of the charming village of Westleton, the brick building extends from the welcoming traditional bar and the revamped dining area to the impressive Garden Room restaurant. Think log fires, eclectic furniture, stripped boards and a real sense of rural chic. Sit back, relax and enjoy the local surroundings from the comfort of the terraced patio garden.

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The William de Percy Inn, Northumberland

Situated on the old road between Newcastle and Edinbrugh, this former 17th-century coaching inn has been recently transformed into a chic, boutique inn offering good food, eight fun and very indulgent bedrooms, and a French-boudoir vibe throughout. In typical French style, the bar entrance is signed 'The Crêperie'.

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The Roebuck Inn, Cheshire

Offering rustic boutique bedrooms and an intimate neighbourhood bistro, the 18th century Roebuck Inn boasts a stylish interior with a big dose of quirk. Expect a totally relaxed and informal atmosphere in the bistro, which features a red and black tiled floor, stripped brick walls, old French shutters, leather banquettes, a retro wood-burning stove and an eclectic mix of café-style tables. Menus brim with Mediterranean inspired dishes and there's excellent accommodation in the form of six very special bedrooms.

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The Clive Arms, Shropshire

The Clive Arms a striking building; a farmhouse in the 18th century and once occupied by Clive of India - his original coat of arms hangs above the fire in the vaulted and beamed lounge bar.

The bar is a bright modern area sporting a cool, retro feel, with wood floors, fat radiators, leather chairs and booth seating, and an eclectic mix of artwork. There's a more traditional space with brick and stone walls where you can dine beside the log fire and you can sink into deep sofas beside a blazing wood-burning stove in the smart lounge area. Beyond is the contemporary-smart dining room. On warmer days take your drinks out onto the sheltered rear terrace.

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George and Dragon, Wiltshire

Step inside the rustic bar and you are transported back to 1645, to a world of wooden floors, simple benches and farmhouse chairs, old school tables and a log fire blazing on the hearth in the impressive stone fireplace.

It's been famous for fresh and beautifully cooked fish and seafood for many years and the three quirky upstairs bedrooms provide offer style and comfort, and a great base for exploring the Caen Hills Locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal. The ebullient and much loved owner Chris 'Chippy' Day ensures the place ticks along like clockwork.

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