Pubs like this don't come along often, certainly not often enough for our taste. Beautiful on the outside, even better inside, with a pretty garden perched at the back, looking out across Bath's rolling countryside. 1674 is carved into the stone arch over the door, although parts may date back further, and the team spent lavishly to make sure it looks as if nothing's changed in the years between then and now. Wooden shutters, cavernous fireplaces, wonky tables and chairs; you'll start wishing for a lock-in as soon as you set foot here. One side of the bar is reserved for drinkers only, while those with an appetite can choose to eat downstairs or up. Expect hearty fare with a creative flair (confit spiced duck leg with asian fregola; roast Cornish hake with tempura squid) while Sunday lunches are the stuff of legend. Our favourite new find by a long mile.

This place is one of our Sawday’s Community Champions – not-for-profit organisations receiving subsidised Sawday’s membership as recognition for their support of causes and communities.