PART of the pleasure of the Plough Inn at Sparsholt is the journey to it.

Tucked away in the rolling countryside just to the west of Winchester, the winding roads that take you to the delightful pub afford spectacular views.

On the evening my husband and I ventured out there we had both had exhausting days at work, so the half hour car ride to Sparsholt allowed us to gradually leave the city behind and appreciate the fresh air and peace of the countryside.

The menu is laid out on blackboards behind the bar and there are at least half a dozen inventive starters together with a wide range of main courses ranging from traditional liver, onions and bacon to salads and pastas and seafood dishes. I dare anyone to not find something to their taste.

For starters we shared grilled sardines, with thick chunks of granary bread. The key to a simple dish like this is to only use the finest ingredients, and the deliciously melt-in-the-mouth fish were clearly super fresh.

My husband tried the monkfish tails with saffron and a lentil puree for his main course, while I had the sea bass in a herb sauce. Our meals came with a yummy selection of vegetables, perfectly cooked, and the main dishes themselves were faultless. The bar offers a wide choice of wines making it easy to choose the perfect drink for your meal.

The Plough also had a blackboard of puddings to make your eyes pop out on stalks. We shared a sticky toffee pudding - boy was it gorgeous?

What really makes the Plough a winner for me is the fact that the surroundings match the standard of the food. The pub has 'laid-back rustic' down to a tee, and is one of the most comfortable places to while away an evening.

The Plough is nearly always busy - so the best advice is to book before you go to avoid disappointment. If you are planning a day time trip to the pub, there are some great walks around the area to do, perfect for working up an appetite. Check serving hours before you walk though, as from bitter experience it can be a disaster turning up too late at the pub after a long walk with a ravenous appetite. Our bill came to £46.75, including drinks and coffee.

Reservations: 01962 776353.