"A super-stylish pub with rooms in the village of Ickham"

This hotel near London was said to be Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s favourite haunt when they were staying in the area during the filming of World War Z. The cosy pub has an open fire, and beamed ceilings mix with moody grey interiors and industrial pendant lights to create that perfect blend of old and new.

There’s great pub grub on offer, too, making this hotel outside London perfect for a foodie escape in the countryside. Dishes on the menu include classic burgers and hot dogs (with vegan options available, too), alongside British plates such as venison with neeps and tatties, and rainbow chard, and chargrilled haddock with champagne cream and samphire. Ickham is a charming village, with Canterbury just 20 minutes away for more buzz and a culture fix.

"With candles in wax-dribbled bottles and chalkboard specials over a brick-walled fireplace, this appealing country pub is a muddy morning’s walk (or short bus ride) from Canterbury."

Food includes roast venison, pan-fried mallard and Kentish cheeses. There’s Dockyard gin from Chatham plus Woolton Farm wine from Bekesbourne, a couple of miles away. Four comfortable bedrooms over the bar come with a supply of fresh milk and a free carafe of Rubis chocolate wine. The room I stayed in had double doors on to a roof terrace offering views of sunset clouds and stubbled fields. An excellent breakfast, served from 9am, includes yoghurt from the East Kent Downs and toasted local sourdough.

"I live in the next village along the Little Stour river, and my favourite treat is to walk the dog across the stream, past the water mill, stopping to pick some wild horseradish for the [pub’s] chef, before settling down for a pint and a scotch egg."

"There are few pubs more cosy than the Duke William, especially as the nights draw in. Fur blankets are provided on wooden benches that surround a blazing log fire. Candles flicker on tables fashioned from old barrels. Whether it’s brunch, lunch or afternoon tea, the Duke William offers it all. Choose from potted shrimps on toast to eggs Florentine."

"The wood-burning fire, low timber ceilings and dimmed lighting ensure a cosy atmosphere. We had celeriac and apple soup, salmon fish cakes and a steak, all of which were delicious… It is perfect for a relaxing break."

"Enjoy a Tom Collins cocktail at the back of the Duke William in the peaceful Kent village of Ickham - they’re a popular order and perfect for a sunny summer’s day. The bar also serves guest real ales, ciders and lagers. The Duke has four small, snazzy rooms… a ten-minute drive to Canterbury."

"… all [rooms] have vintage-inspired furniture, colour-pop cushions and a set of earplugs, if full-belly lethargy sets in before closing time. And it might well, as the budget leaves plenty of room to devour the posh pub grub served downstairs…"

"Our guide recognises the best of the best, as the British pub food scene continues to get stronger…"