The Woodspeen

Much of what reaches your table comes directly from their own kitchen garden, so you're eating produce at its peak of freshness and flavour.

The dining experience manages to feel both relaxed and refined at once. There's an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs working, which adds genuine interest to your meal rather than feeling like a gimmick. John Campbell founded the restaurant originally, and it's now run by the Sanchez Brothers group, who've maintained the standards that secured its Michelin recognition in the first place.

Woodspeen itself is quiet, but that doesn't limit what you can do in the area. Newbury is close enough to make worth exploring as a historic market town with its own appeal—there's the famous racecourse and plenty of local character to discover. Highclere Castle, which featured in the filming of Downton Abbey, is also within reasonable reach. You can easily combine an excellent meal here with some exploration of the local heritage and scenery, making for a satisfying day out in this part of the region.