Country pub of the week: the Lord Poulett Arms, Somerset

Ever encountered Bramley hand wash? It is, they say, the new Aesop. It’s also the work of the Beckford Group, a growing enterprise with bucolic pubs throughout the West Country.

Among its jewels is the Lord Poulett Arms in the village of Hinton St George, Somerset, three hours from London (bit far? Rooms start at just £100 per night) and 35 minutes from Lyme Regis.

Beckford pubs are kept as country pubs should be: a little shabby, cast in dark wood, candlelit, and joyfully beery. Food menus focus on regional produce and so expect Cornish mussels, roast cod and Devonshire steaks; service feels warm and local. Plenty of wines on offer, too, and a cheeseboard that celebrates — you guessed it — the West Country. Perfect for a jolly Christmas getaway.

High Street, Hinton Saint George, TA17 8SE, lordpoulettarms.com