Country living

Organic food and local produce are the new buzz words in the food industry so why not head out to the country for a hearty meal. You can enjoy a scrumptious meal that you know hasn’t travelled miles to reach you plate.

And when you find you can’t move because you’ve eaten so much, you can stay the night and eat some more in the morning! Jesmond Dene House (www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk/), close to Newcastle, offers a range of local specialities or you could stay at The Ponsbourne Park Hotel and Restaurant (www.ponsbournepark.com/), set in gorgeous Hertfordshire countryside. Or head to Bedruthan Steps Hotel (www.bedruthanstepshotel.co.uk/) on the North Cornwall coast for the sea air that’s sure to give you an appetite.

If pub grub is what you’re after then England is the place. With over 50,000 pubs to choose from (sadly we haven’t visited them all) you’re sure to find something to satisfy that grumbling stomach. Cosy pubs, stylish pubs, busy pubs, quiet pubs, it’s entirely up to you where you decide to stop. The friendly staff and informal atmosphere make a pub meal all the more enjoyable. You could try The Olive Branch (www.theolivebranchpub.com/) in Rutland, The Star Inn (www.thestaratharome.co.uk/) at Harome in the glorious North York Moors National Park, or The Holly Bush Inn (www.hollybushinn.co.uk/) in Staffordshire. Whether it’s traditional bangers and mash or salmon en croute with a dill butter and pea watercress puree, enjoy your pint around a warm fire or under a sun umbrella in any season!