Tunnel House

The view from tables on the pleasant terrace in front of the eccentric bow-fronted stone house is pretty impressive and the big garden slopes down to the derelict entrance tunnel of the old Thames & Severn Canal (which is under slow restoration). Inside, there's a lively atmosphere and a cheerful mix of customers – it's especially popular with students from the Royal Agricultural College. The rambling rooms have beams, flagstones, a happy mix of furnishings including massive rustic benches and seats built into the sunny windows, lots of enamel advertising signs, racing tickets and air travel labels, a stuffed wild boar's head and stuffed owl, plenty of copper and brass and an upside-down card table complete with cards and drinks fixed to the beams; there's a nice log fire with sofas in front of it (but you have to arrive early to grab them). The more conventional dining extension and back conservatory fill up quickly at mealtimes. Braydon PotWalloper, Sharps Doom Bar, Uley Bitter and a guest beer on handpump, several wines by the glass and two draught ciders; piped music. Good walks nearby; disabled lavatories.