Great British Havens: This historic pub in Shropshire’s prettiest Tudor village has ‘magnificent’ rooms, ‘excellent’ food – and a fascinating past…

There are times in life when everything falls into place and my visit to The Bear Inn was one of those occasions.

Hodnet is considered Shropshire’s finest Tudor village, with black and white timber-framed houses on every corner and arched brick chimneys rising from almost every roof.

It’s right on the North Wales border between Birmingham and Manchester – close enough to get there but far enough to feel like a real adventure.

The Bear Inn is 500 years old and has a history to match; The cellars and tunnels have hidden rebellious monks, given peace to smugglers and are said to harbor spirits. And many moons ago a bear was kept down there, hence the name of the Freihaus.

Elegant: Stan says the inn “oozes goodness and style.” The photo shows the wood paneled dining room

Today, the inn is a very different animal. The Bear, owned by Sir Algernon Heber-Percy and his wife Lady Jane, who live across the road in the Hodnet Hall estate, has been renovated by their son Tom.

Guests can choose from 12 rooms, bring their dog and dine in the beautiful wood paneled restaurant. It is run by Mel Board and Chef Martin, who are known locally for turning another Shropshire pub, The Haughmond in Upton Magna, into a popular lodge restaurant.

Under her loving care, The Bear exudes sophistication and style – while the outside is reminiscent of a humble pub, inside you’ll see designer Octavia Dickinson’s modern take on country style with a folk-inspired twist. Original artwork and bold colors blend well with the sophisticated local scene in the bar, while the restaurant caters to foodies and couples on romantic getaways.

Stan says guests should explore the village during their stay. He reveals that from March you can go to Hodnet Hall to admire the gardens laid out in 1922 (photo).

The bedrooms have “snappy fabric headboards,” writes Stan

The food is delicious, just wonderful. Each dish is sourced from sustainable local suppliers, including beef from their own herd and fruit and vegetables from Hodnet Hall’s walled garden. Each dish is beautifully balanced and perfectly proportioned. The lunch menu suggested combinations and I opted for the pigeon starter, followed by a tender pink saddle of venison with roasted carrots, blackcurrant sauce and soft puree washed down with a warm glass of Italian red wine.

Pudding was a pear cake with honeycomb soldiers accompanied by a slightly chilled Pedro Ximenez sherry.

Bedrooms are beautiful, with headboards in an eye-catching fabric, chunky curtains and pillows, and crisp white cotton linens.

The reading lights and Nespresso machine invite you to sit inside, but you should see the village and it’s not far to the village shop next door or St. Luke’s Church across the street.

From March you can walk to Hodnet Hall to admire the gardens, which were laid out in 1922. They are full of various trees, rhododendrons, camellias, crocuses, daffodils and magnolias, and a chain of seven lakes and pools.

For a change of scenery, head to The Haughmond for dinner – I went for their four-course tasting menu of sea urchins with prawns, sea fennel and beurre blanc, followed by filet with red cabbage and peppercorns.

The next morning, Bear’s breakfast was a similar culinary success – the full Shropshire with sausage patties, bacon, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans and poached eggs was excellent.

A Michelin experience at a destination cafe.