The Thatch, set snugly on the high street in Thame, is an award-winning country pub that prides itself on the quality of its food – everything from classic gastropub fare to weekend blowouts for a memorable big occasion.

Many pubs talk the talk when it comes to provenance and sustainability, but The Thatch weaves it into the fibre of its being, as a partner of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and winner of a 2024 award from them to boot. Its menu changes with the seasons (think the best English asparagus in Spring and lobsters when they’re native), and it only works with British farmers and producers who share its values.

Meat comes from celeb butcher Aubrey Allen (the firm has a Royal Warrant), which supplies The Thatch with grass-fed British beef, Blythburgh pork from Suffolk, Cornish lamb and free-range chicken. It’s also big on fresh fish – check out the catch of the day – and there’s plenty of plant-based choices too.

The revamped interior of this timbered C16th building is usually filled with local characters, and on warmer days the hospitality spills out into the outdoor dining space. It’s great for larger gatherings (you can book ahead but some outdoor tables are kept for walk-ins), or as a pitstop after a weekend walk – dogs are very welcome here.

There’s also a 12-seater private dining room for parties, or you can book out the pub for a business meeting and enjoy free wi-fi and hand-roasted coffee on tap. Stay for an ale or two to take the edge off those spreadsheets – or choose from its comprehensive range of gins (Muddy counted 15) if it’s been a particularly tough day.