Tucked away in the picture-perfect village of Mowsley, the Staff of Life’s claim to be ‘Leicestershire’s best-kept secret’ is more than justified. Despite being recommended in The Good Pub Guide for the last decade, this place retains all the charm of a delightful hidden gem.

Welcoming rustic decor greets diners, as does the aroma of fresh, locally supplied produce, cooked to order by award-winning chefs. Engaging starters like homemade lamb sheek kebabs served with coriander and tomato salad, drizzled with a yoghurt, mint and cucumber dressing boast unfussy presentation and complex flavours. Belly of roast pork to follow is similarly pleasing, served atop raisin mash with peppered green beans, black pudding and red wine jus. Local butchers Joseph Morris supply the beef, lamb and pork mainly from local farms – this quality produce is then beautifully prepared by the talented chefs and is doubtless one of the reasons this establishment enjoys such unrivalled success.

Desserts are the territory of Linda O’Neill, joint-owner, confectionary designer and former member of the Irish Panel of Chefs. Her handmade lemon and raspberry tart is the stuff of dreams – perfectly balanced and immaculately presented. From the expansive wine list, a bottle of Nieto Reserva Malbec delivers rich elegance to the palate, making it the ideal accompaniment to what can only be described as the ideal meal, at a fantastic country pub.