The village pub is just a couple of minutes walk from the cottage and offers food, much of it sourced locally, in substantial portions and not surprisingly the lamb is generally very good. It has the added attraction that the walk home is slightly downhill. Dogs are permitted in the bar area, and there is a separate dining room too.

Apple Tree has gone through quite a few changes in the past few years, but fortunately, the quality of the food and commitment to seasonal local produce remains admirable. Marton is just ten minutes on the other side of the A170 to Appleton, and the journey is certainly worth the effort.

The Star Inn, Harome

The winner of too many awards to list, although the Michelin star and Gastropub of the Year 2006 are probably worth a mention, you need to book well in advance, but it's an experience, and The Star has character by the spadeful (with shaved truffle and a quail's egg on top).

This pub is very popular with locals and, in fact, has only one major drawback, which is the steep hill on the way back combined with a lack of street-lighting, which means it's probably best to take the car in the evening. During the day, however, you could almost convince yourself that you must have walked off dessert by the time you reach the top of the hill.

The Fox & Hounds has a AA Rosette award for good food and service, and offers a more contemporary cuisine and particularly creative plate presentation, again the walk back to Appleton is essentially uphill and unlit, but very pretty on a summer afternoon - or you could take the car.

The New Inn, Cropton

This pub has the distinction of having its own brewery attached, and the ample portions appear designed to help soak up a couple of pints! The pub allows dogs in the bar area, and also has a beer garden. It's possible to walk there from the cottage, but there are some very steep hills and it's only around 3 miles by car.