The Sun Inn, UK Hotel

Felmersham, UK

True to its namesake, arrival at The Sun Inn greets you with an instant warmth, thanks to its 17th-century butterscotch stone facade, traditional thatched roof and mustard-yellow door. Friendly vibes continue inside the family- run pub with two rooms. At the helm are JJ and Laura Ibbet, who brought their shared vision of inviting hospitality and quality local produce to life in the small Bedfordshire village of Felmersham. As you might expect from a village pub encircled by the river Ouse and rolling fields, farm to table is taken very seriously indeed, especially since it’s part of Wild Berry Farm, a 140ha estate home to grass-fed Hereford cattle, free-to-roam Boer goats, Bronze turkeys and duck.

Served in the fire-lit dining room, two monthly-changing tasting menus are an ode to the British seasons. Behind the five-course meals is chef Pete Pestell, who beautifully showcases meat or vegan options, with foraged ingredients and game sourced locally. Both menus start with thick slices of crusty sourdough bread either liberally slathered with creamy butter or served with peppery olive oil, and continue with generous plates that might include monk’s beard served in a beurre blanc, farm- aged Longhorn beef, or celeriac and truffle lollipop with wild garlic mayo. Bellies full, creep upstairs to your rustic-chic bedroom, Dusk, or two-floor suite, Dawn.

Doubles from £126.

Words by Megan Dickson.