If it’s smart country pub vibes and gastropub dining you’re after then head out to Houghton Conquest, where The Knife and Cleaver offers a brilliant range of seasonally curated dining delights from modern British pub classics to something a little more adventurous (*eyes up the Gamberoni Picante*), with the food all sourced as locally as possible.

There’s something for everyone in this charming 15th century former farmhouse, with kids and furry friends well catered for too. There are regular themed nights and monthly events (murder mystery, live music, quizzes, seafood specials)  and you can visit for afternoon tea or even celebrate a special occasion, with wedding and party packages available and a beautifully renovated garden with a large marquee function area and a glass garden room, perfect for a summer wedding.

There are also nine modern and stylish rooms, some of which also offer private courtyards, with the restaurant serving up breakfast daily from 8am. All just a few minutes from Woburn Safari Park and the Aqua Sana Spa.