Perched atop a hill in the pretty South Downs village of Tillington, is The Horse Guards Inn; a pub so utterly charming that you find yourself wishing you could move in.

Stepping in off the narrow lane, we were warmly welcomed into its rustic interior and shown to one of the scrubbed pine tables where we sat back and admired the displays of fresh flowers, trinkets, old prints and vintage signs.

The seasonal menu is a celebration of all that is local, and my Sunday lunch was a dream: potted crayfish and toast served on a black slate, perfectly rare roast beef with trimmings (accompanied by individual jars of horseradish and mustard), and a delectable strawberry pavlova decorated with an edible flower. Even the coffee and tea comes with homemade vanilla fudge.

If it’s a sunny day, be sure to make the most of the quirky and enchanting garden with its vintage iron day beds strewn with cushions, straw bale seating, striped deckchairs and romantic summerhouse.

And if you really can’t tear yourself away, then you’ll be happy to know there are three delightful B&B rooms, allowing you to stretch out your stay just that little bit longer.

Images courtesy of The Horse Guards Inn and Siân Joseph