The Lord Poulett Arms

‘Gardez le Foi’ reads the Poulett family motto over the door of this thatched, ham-stone village pub, and the trio behind the Beckford group (see The Beckford Arms, Tisbury) have kept absolute faith with their winning concept here. The ambience is friendly and relaxed. You can drink and dine in the real-ale locals' bar, which is furnished with mix-and-match wooden tables, its walls hung with portraits of Earls Poulett, benevolent feudal overlords until well into the last century. Food is also served in the pretty oasis garden. The staff are young, enthusiastic and valued. A short menu offers pub classics such as cider-battered haddock and chips along with dishes such as harissa-roasted lamb rump. Breakfast gets a thumbs-up from readers too, with home-made granola and pastries as well as a full English. The eminently affordable bedrooms are stylish and uncluttered, supplied with Welsh blankets, comfy seating, home-made treats and Bramley toiletries. One has its own private entrance and an in-room slipper bath. A family room has bunks for the kids. They don’t ‘do’ wardrobes: use a hanger or the ‘floordrobe’.