The lovely surrounds of Highclere quite clearly rub off on this restaurant and whilst exquisitely modern dressed tables contrast sweetly with the low ceilings and brickwork of the old building, the lighting is perfect and the ambience is enjoyable.

As for the food, many will be excused for not understanding everything on the menu, but the staff are always on hand to explain and recommend. With traditional dishes such as shepherds pie or haddock and chips, there's something for everyone. The quality of the food and presentation is a guaranteed pleaser. Interesting game dishes such as 'Pierre Koffman au chocolat amer' - a fantastic dish combining tender pink loin of Roe deer and veal-stock boiled over 2 days with vegetables, red wine, port, and foie gras to name but a few. 100% cocoa is then added creating an intense flavour satisfying every sense.

If you're worried about the cost of dining in this sort of establishment, you're in for a pleasant surprise here. In what other fine dining restaurant can you have a shepherds pie and a pint of bitter and still have change from £14? Equally it presents a perfect location for a special celebration and you can enjoy a lobster dinner and a £400 bottle of red wine.

Having been nominated in the Michelin guide as 'one to watch' The Yew Tree Inn presents itself with true class and value.