Yew Tree

The décor at this thriving place is genuinely individual and entertaining. Giant Timorous Beasties' bees are papered on to the bar ceiling and a stag's head looms proudly out of the wall above a log fire. Nicely simple pale grey, off-white and cream surfaces explode into striking bold wallpaper; there's a magnified hunting print and surprisingly angled bright tartans. The island bar has half a dozen well kept and sensibly priced ales such as Acorn Barnsley Gold, Merlins Gold, Redwillow Wreckless, Stonehouse Station, Weetwood Eastgate and Woods Shropshire Lass on handpump, a beer of the month, a local cider, over two dozen malts and a good range of wines by the glass from an interesting bin ends list of about 50. The informal service is quick even when they are busy. A more dining-oriented area shares the same feeling of relaxed bonhomie (our favourite table there was snugged into a stable-stall-style alcove of stripped wood). A terrace outside has teak tables, with more on the grass.