Some friends in a nearby village were having a bit of a do and we needed a place to stay. We had been told the previous owners of this place were less than welcoming, but, when arriving at 9.45 at night, exhausted and tatty-looking after a long journey, our welcome couldn't have been warmer; the new owner helped us with our bags from the car, and personally saw to it that a hot meal was prepared for us, even though the kitchen staff had finished for the night. And despite being at the scabby-horse-eating stage, the giant veggie chilli we were served was absolutely spot-on.

The White Horse is your classic country pub, complete with oak beams and open fires, and accommodation is provided in a row of converted stables to the rear, which are really dinky with your bedroom downstairs and bathroom upstairs. Family rooms are also available with adjoining doors and a sitting room.

It is clear that the owners of this place have made a big effort to refurbish it to a... more