MUDDY wellies are lined up by the door, locals queue at the deli for their supper direct from local farms and families lounge by the roaring fire with the weekend newspaper supplements.

It was hardly fishing weather as we visited north Hampshire’s world-renowned fisheries and streams, but this homely bolthole is a treat whatever the weather.

The river was still high from heavy rainfall as we arrived at the Bourne Valley Inn at St Mary Bourne for an overnight stay.

Tucked away along a winding country road lined with hedgerows and surrounded by fields and hills, the19th century coaching inn is certainly popular with the locals.

We couldn’t resist joining them in the atmospheric barn, which was cosy and decorated in a contemporary cottage style.

Each of the pub’s nine rooms are decorated in pale greens, creams and greys and named after the surrounding lakes, brooks and rivers.

A tea tray with Teapigs and coffee cafetieres provided a welcome pre-dinner hot drink.

Back in the pub, there was a relaxed feel as we perused the small yet perfectly formed dinner menu.

Several couples, friends and family groups were enjoying the party atmosphere from the barn, which was hosting an 85th birthday party.

My husband and I tapped our feet to the music as we tucked into our starters of a spiced poached pear salad, complete with chicory, blue cheese and walnuts and bread and olives.

Main course was also a delight, featuring piping hot English lamb shepherd’s pie with minted garden peas and tasty London Pride battered fish and thick cut chips.

Too full for desert, we just managed a nightcap at the bar before retiring for a great night’s sleep in the silence of the countryside.

Only just ready for another helping of hearty gastro pub fare, our locally sourced breakfast was delicious and we helped ourselves to endless juice and cereals while reading the Sunday papers from cover to cover.

We couldn’t resist a few takeaway items from the deli counter, which serves up local charcuterie boards and fresh fish platters among other foodie treats, as we left.

And, although the weather didn’t allow us to fish the rich fishing chalk streams of the River Test, renowned for its trout, it did clear enough to walk off all the over-indulgence.

And there’s nothing quite like a glorious hike in the Hampshire countryside.

Here the watercress fields, woodlands, rolling hills and majestic aqueducts stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction.

  • Prices are from £75 per room per night including breakfast. The Bourne Valley Inn is in St Mary Bourne, near Andover. Tel: 01264 738361. Web: bournevalleyinn.com