The Queen’s Arms

In 2020, local resident and Ballymaloe alumnus Doune Mackenzie-Francis took on the Queen’s Arms and, with help from her family, transformed it into a model of contemporary country elegance – a top choice when you want to ‘get away from it all and recharge your batteries’. A rose-fringed garden and pleasant terrace allow visitors to drink in glorious views, while flagstone floors, open fires and the day’s papers on the bar provide welcome respite after a trudge across the Corton Denham Ridge. Head chef Rich Townsend strikes an artful balance between pub classics and restaurant-style cooking, so expect a wide choice spanning everything from cider- and tarragon-battered haddock and chips to garlic- and honey-glazed pork collar with roasted shallots, ‘nduja, grilled peach and red wine sauce. For afters, consider the chocolate délice with English cherries, chocolate crumble and Amaretto gelato. Cocktails outshine beers on the drinks list, while wines are a rung above the average pub line-up. Also check out the ‘pub hub’ – a daytime pit stop for coffee, sausage rolls, local provisions and friendly catch-ups.