The Museum Inn Hotel

Farnham, Nr Blandford Forum, Dorset

This inn hits the right notes on three levels; first you’ve got the traditional pub bit, which helped it earn the title of Favourite Pub in Dorset, then you have the rooms (The General’s has a grand four-poster) and, thirdly, the standard of food in The Shed restaurant more than matches expectations. Start with lobster risotto, follow up with saddle and braised haunch of venison with curly kale and honey-roasted parsnip purée, and finish off with warm gooseberry tart. Doubles from £110.