The Greyhound on the Test

This 16th-century gastropub in the quaint village of Stockbridge oozes rustic charm. Characterful low beams, a quirky wine-bottle-themed clock and a log fire in the cosy bar provide the perfect place to relax with a Test Valley G&T in winter. The meandering River Test at the end of the garden is an ideal spot to fish from May to September or enjoy a picnic on the pretty bank-side. Wilds Kitchen in the garden offers alfresco dining in summer.

Each of the 11 rooms is different but there’s a seamless country-style vibe throughout. Half-panelled walls in Farrow and Ball heritage hues mingle with cool mirrors, wooden furniture, thick velvet curtains and embossed cushions and bedspreads. Comfortable king-sized beds, quality linen and underfloor heating provide a blissful sleep. There’s a Nespresso machine, good selection of teas, honesty bar of nibbles and drinks and jar of old-fashioned sweets – a welcome touch of childhood nostalgia. Bathrooms are stylish and spacious, either with roll-top stand-alone baths or large cubicles with powerful rainfall showers, natural stone sinks and lush Molton Brown toiletries in individual eco-friendly bottles. Rooms are dog-friendly – the leet cottage at the rear has a private courtyard ideal for your four-legged friend.

The two AA-rosette restaurant serves up hearty portions using local produce – Hampshire beef, Wiltshire pork and Chalk Stream trout – plus a tasty soy marinated tuna loin tartlet with Wakame seaweed and kohlrabi slaw. Breakfast is an array of quality hot and cold options, including delicious wild mushrooms with poached eggs and homemade granola bars. Service is friendly and efficient.

Stockbridge itself boasts a pretty high street filled with independent shops – a fabulous place to stay if you want a break from London. The Test Valley is a mecca for fly-fishing, which can be organised by the pub along with other country pursuits including cycling and walking. Danbury Iron Age Hill Fort and Houghton Lodge Gardens are close by and the cathedral towns of Winchester and Salisbury are just a 20–30 minute drive away.