This cosy pub with rooms dates back to the Victorian era and oozes period character, with a luxe twist. You’ll find an atmospheric cocktail lounge area with deep blue walls, sumptuous leather chesterfields and a glimmering gold bar, plus a whitewashed restaurant serving a gastro menu. In winter you can cosy up with a large glass of red near the fire, but come summer you’ll be sipping a glass of rose in the grassy, sun-drenched garden.

Italian chef Matteo Romeo and his partner Brandon Marais took over The Duke in May 2024, and rapidly earned stellar reviews for their innovative food and signature cocktails. Think house-cured trout sashimi, slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with clotted cream mash and Amaretto poached pear, plus staples like burgers and the all-essential Sunday roast. There’s even a caviar tasting dish, which is (unsurprisingly) often a sell-out.

While the food packs a powerful punch, this is also very much a community hub. Alongside The Duke you’ll find mouth-watering cakes and delicious brunches at The Duchess Lounge. This is a honey-hued Victorian coach house turned café and farm shop, right next to the pub. Think all-day brunch, local food produce and an excellent afternoon tea (there’s a gluten free version too). Come evening, the doors are thrown open for workshops, including floristry, painting and pumpkin carving.

Fancy a sleepover? There are five bedrooms, complete with Nespresso coffee machines, statement wallpaper and private bathrooms. Best of all, you only have to head downstairs to The Duchess Lounge for the fabulous breakfast menu. Be warned though – with avocado toast, waffles with fruit compote and excellent coffee on the menu, you might well find yourself tempted to stick around for another night.

See you at the bar! Mine’s a hot honey margarita…

Need to Know

Address: The Duke Hotel, 1 Church Rd, Hilmarton, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 8SD

Website: www.dukehotelhilmarton.co.uk

Telephone: 01249 760634