Feathers Hotel, Ledbury

Historic coaching inn with a distinctive 'black and white' half-timbered façade. Still operating as a hotel, bar and restaurant, and although the main ground-floor areas have been thoroughly modernised, the place retains some character (especially upstairs if you happen to be staying). The front room is now a coffee shop for the well-heeled of Ledbury, with the compact bar area behind this, a much larger restaurant beyond and plenty of outdoor seating at the back. With two pairs of handpumps, I was happy to find the local Ledbury Bitter (£3.90) available in addition to Doom Bar.

Called in this timber framed coaching inn yesterday and found a friendly bar serving 3 real ales. Fullers London Pride, Ledbury Bitter and Swan Gold. We hose the Swan Gold which was fine. There is a function room which used to be a theatre, and a formal restaurant as well as a bistro style one. Also has a large walled garden and patio.