The Milk House

A charming village pub and a great base from which to explore – stylish, welcoming, nicely priced. The Sunday lunch is fabulous with seasonal produce mostly sourced within 20 miles. In summer, you decant onto a big terrace with an outside bar and a wood-fired pizza oven.

There’s a duck pond, a lawned garden, views over open country, even a four-day festival in August (local bands, theatre, face painting, lots of food). Interiors have an easy style: woven willow lampshades, a sofa in front of the fire, a timber-framed dining room for fabulous food cooked with flair from ingredients sourced in Kent and East Sussex. Artisan bread, handmade charcuterie, succulent lamb, amazing asparagus and even a boutique gin.

Sleep in beautiful, uncluttered bedrooms with lovely fabrics, super beds, excellent bathrooms, a sofa if there’s room. Wake to homemade muesli with berry compote, sausage or bacon bap, croissants or a full English.