Enjoying first-rate food in the relaxed and friendly comfort of a great pub is definitely my idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon. And when a perfect Sunday afternoon is on the cards The Barkers Arms in Droxford is most definitely my first port of call.

Run by the lovely Adam and Anna and featured in every respectable good food and pub guide going, this is a place to settle in and take your time. Think mismatched wooden tables and chairs, leather chesterfields, a log fire in winter, delightful staff and lots of food, glorious food. Everything from the bread to the biscotti is made from scratch in the kitchen. Tuck yourself away in a cosy corner with a board game or the papers, and order from a menu that changes according to what is fresh, seasonal and local.

The superb Sunday Lunch has quite a reputation, and it’s almost essential to book ahead. Thanks to the newly renovated garden (a real sun trap at lunch time) there’s plenty of extra seating this summer, along with a seasonal twist to the menu. Resist the fantastic roast and there’s whole dressed crab, and chicken or beef caesar salad to chose from. The latter does of course leave room for pudding, in which case Chef’s chocolate brownie comes strongly recommended.

Image courtesy of Chris Devers on Flickr