The Inn at Welland

David and Gillian, adept hosts at The Inn at Welland, have created a muted, contemporary space here with limestone tile flooring, bleached sideboards and mismatched tables and chairs. It’s in a rural setting and the garden outside has fantastic views over the Malvern Hills. One of the terraces has a glass veranda with a wood burner so you can bask in those views even on chilly days. 

Awards abound (a Michelin Bib Gourmand and an AA Rosette) and the team - with a dedicated pastry chef - serves up a true gastro medley including homemade desserts, ice creams, sorbets and petits fours. Options like the twice-baked Godminster Truffle Cheddar soufflé with roasted Cornish monkfish tail, creamed potato, kale and smoked bone marrow Bordelaise sauce are even better than they sound.

Dishes can raise eyebrows but given the quality of the craftspeople and their tools, this remains excellent value for money. A reward after scaling the Malverns' Worcestershire Beacon, perhaps.