The Tally Ho

A handsome, red-gabled pub on the road to Hungerford. Spirited too, as it was threatened with closure in 2012, forcing a community consortium to gallop to the rescue and reinstate it at the heart of the community. As a result, the atmosphere is now one of mellow conviviality.  There’s a toy box of books and jigsaws for kids, dog biscuits on the bar for four-legged companions and a couple of shelves in the corner put to use as a teeny shop selling, well whatever happens to need selling: eggs, marrows, honey and trinkets. There also comfortable bedrooms if you plan to break your journey overnight.

Food is classic pub fare, generously portioned and made with tasty local ingredients, including some veg from shareholders’ allotments. Expect overfilled baguettes or fish and chips for lunch, which you can enjoy on the sunny terrace. Succulent steak, sweet potato curry and honeyed ham with free-range eggs and chips are on the dinner menu.