The Hay Barn Café

For a warm, country welcome look no further than the Hay Barn Café. The ladies who work here are interminably friendly and don’t bat an eyelid at muddy footwear, muddy paws and messy children. They’re expert bakers to boot, and scones are served warm from the oven (try the cherry and almond if you’re there on the right day), always with locally made jam and Chantilly cream.

Freshly made quiches, filled rolls and tasty sandwiches are on the lunch menu. Prices are reasonable, the coffee is smooth and the gravelled, suntrap courtyard is ringed by tall, red-brick walls and filled with bright plants and sage-coloured furniture – a lovely spot for listening to the chirrup of birds over a pot of tea or a Haybarn breakfast.

The shelves at the back harbour local produce to take away such as plum bread, pickles, biscuits, pressed apple juice, honey and real ales, ciders and gins.