There was the type of atmosphere in The Falcoln Inn at Painswick that just smacked of people wanting to be there.

From the moment we sipped our first drink on a Friday afternoon, we got the feeling this place was somewhere very different to anywhere else.

With 11 bedrooms dotted around the grounds, a lovely main building which dates back to the 1550s and a cosy but vibrant restaurant, there was so much to like. And coupled with a craft shop, the pace of life instantly slowed as we walked through the door.

Our bedroom was large, with everything one would expect.

Before dinner, we decided to explore the village and took a walk around.

The small, winding streets housed several cafes, shops and craft places, but our attention was taken by the church, positioned directly across the road from the hotel.

It claims on the Falcon’s website that there are 99 clipped yew trees – something we were keen to check. Now I am no tree expert, but we counted far more.

However, the real talking point was the Falcoln’s food – it being utterly delicious. And chief among them are the pies. Chicken & leek and beef & ale were ordered, and both were enormous, piping hot, full of meat and really hit the spot. Thankfully our room was only about 30 steps from the entrance to the restaurant, meaning we were able to limp to bed without too much fuss.

Needing to walk it off the next day, we returned to the churchyard, trying to work out just where these extra trees had come from.

Falcoln Inn, New Street, Painswick. Call 01452 814222