The Dog at Wingham, Wingham, Kent

Supposedly an inn since 1549, the Dog remains very firmly a local's pub - one of two pubs which, together with two cafés, an Indian restaurant, small shop, bakery and 13th-century church, basically make up the whole of the sleepy village of Wingham.

The Dog is just outside the rolling Kent Downs, 30 minutes' drive from the beaches at Broadstairs, Whitsable and Margate. Canterbury and its cathedral are 20 minutes away.
By car: Just off the A2/A28, the hotel is 25 minutes from Dover, 45 minutes from Maidstone, and two hours from London. Free parking is available at the hotel.
By train: Adisham train station is a five-minute taxi ride from the hotel and serviced by Southeastern trains from Dover Priory (20 minutes) and London Victoria (1hr 40 mins). thetrainline.com

DFLs, as locals refer to visitors 'down from London', will love the combination of an authentic country pub feel and stellar cuisine. The Bridgens' passion for the Dog's heritage and the building itself shines through in their sensitive renovation and homely (if occasionally chintzy) styling.

We love sitting at the bar with locals and their dogs, tasting an unreleased gin crafted by a local artisan distillery.​

• Restaurant
• Bar and lounge
• Terrace
• Garden
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All rooms come with large Hypnos beds, a rare luxury for a humble pub with rooms. We love Suite Four, which boasts a spectacular double-height ceiling held up by a mighty timber king post. It's just a shame you can't contemplate the ceiling from the canopied bed!

Compact Double, King Size Double, Double or Twin, Super King Double, Four Poster Suite, Grand Super King, Family Suite, The Doghouse
Facilities include: Hypnos king size double bed, ensuite with shower, TV, desk, iron, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, breakfast included

The feather-light lobster raviolo, swimming in richly fragrant lobster bisque, is a real highlight. We also love Chef Sam McClurkin's local larder. As he says: "Our baker is in the village, the butcher is in the next village, our fruit & veg comes from up the road and our fish and seafood from the coast, just a few miles away."

The Dog: Mediterranean inspired dishes, set menu and a la carte, Sunday roasts, homemade bar snacks. Mains from £17. Open daily for breakfast. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. Sunday lunch 12-5pm.