Ford, Cheltenham. This lovely country pub began as a coaching inn during the 13th century, became a courthouse in the 16th century, then the pub/inn it is now in the late 17th century. The dungeon/holding cells of the courthouse are now used to store and mature casks for nearby Donnington Brewery. In the 18th century it was used as a "dram shop" or "spirit vault" linked to the Gin Craze. In 1832 Thomas Swindlehurst took a pledge of total abstinence at the pub, a significant moment in the temperance movement. It has become a mecca for National Hunt racing enthusiasts,as opposite the pub is Jackdaws Castle, the famous racing stables of Jonjo O'Neill (it won the coveted Racing Pub of the Year award in 2008 and 2013).

Four interconnecting rooms are served by a small central bar, featuring low dark-beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, inglenook fireplaces (what a wonderful smell when you enter the pub!), stone walls, wooden shuttered windows, and settles. Outside is a large beer garden. It was game week in the area (I had delicious pheasant the day before at The Fleet Inn in Twyning), so I enjoyed some yummy venison medallions along with two ales from Donnington - a Cotswold Special Bitter and a Cotswold Gold. If you visit the nearby village of Broadway or the Broadway Tower, this classic country pub is just a short drive down some narrow Devon roads - well worth the effort!