The Pembroke Arms, Wilton, Wiltshire

On the edge of Salisbury, the inn sits at the centre of the once wealthy riverside market town of Wilton. The town's architectural highlights are within walking distance, such as its surprisingly large and beautiful Italianate church and 16th-century Wilton House, just opposite. Salisbury's cathedral is a ten-minute drive away. Just outside Salisbury is Old Sarum, an Iron Age hill fort. For formal British cooking, try beguiling Howard's House, 15 minutes away by car.

By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 4 hours 10 minutes from Manchester. There is free parking available on-site.

By train: direct trains run to Salisbury Station from London Waterloo (1 hour 30 minutes), Cardiff Central (2 hours 5 minutes) and Portsmouth Harbour (1 hour). The hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from Salisbury Station. Book traisn to Salisbury.

The pub has a welcoming and genteel old-world feel, thanks to its collection of antiques and spacious rooms, warmed by open fires. Expect a quiet lounge with an array of armchairs, an open bar area and a restaurant. In summer, the garden at the back is a good bet for a sundowner, with picnic benches lined up beside an attractive walled lawn.

Staff are attentive and always ready to help, despite also enjoying engaging guests in conversation. Check-in is by way of a wooden hatch beside the bar and there is a pleasing degree of separation between the sleeping quarters and the bar area.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden
• Lounge
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The nine bedrooms are homely, decorated with vintage wallpaper, old-fashioned sconces and featuring antique dressers or chests of drawers. The smallest doubles don't have wardrobes, while at the other end of the scale, the handsome family room has two double beds. Bathrooms all have shower baths except for the small doubles.

Room types: Small Double, Standard Double, Triple, Twin, Family rooms

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, fluffy towels, TV, Sony music station, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Straightforward cooking and decidedly generous portions are on offer in the restaurant. Expect big, satisfying pies and some simple Middle Eastern favourites among more traditional fare, that includes everything from game and offal to cheeseburgers. Roasts are available on Sunday, alongside the full menu for all-day dining.

Restaurant: relaxed, modern British and Middle Eastern cuisine, local produce. Open daily 12-2pm and 6.30-8.30pm (9pm on weekends). Mains from £13.