Here, on the old Roman road (busy now with traffic), rusticity and elegance achieve the perfect balance at this gorgeous 17th-century coaching inn run with aplomb by Dee Ludlow. Stone archways divide the bar, with its flagstone floors, open fires, beamed ceilings and a lively, happy hubbub at lunchtime. Throw in real ales, roast lunches and a welcome for all and you have somewhere very special. This place prides itself on serving really good pub food: prawn cocktail, fish and chips, cottage pie, great puddings. The pub garden is one of the largest and most attractive in the Cotswolds with a two-acre lake, mature trees, and barbecues in summer. Terrific for families and celebrations. Walk from the pub up the river Coln valley and revel in glorious countryside.