It was when I was trying to find somewhere for my family to break our journey to the north of England that I remembered the Howard Arms. Normally we would find ourselves a B&B or a bland but practical budget hotel but I had heard some very favourable reports of this Cotswolds pub's food and had been looking for an excuse to try it out.

Only one of the three rooms was left, which turned out to be more like a suite than a room: plush furnishings, a comfy sofa, antique furniture and a fabulous white bathroom.

The evening kicked off well with my husband Matt and I leaving six-month-old Eleanor sleeping soundly in her cot as we tiptoed out of our room with our baby monitor.

Rather overexcited at our first night out together for six months, we were like two kids in a sweet shop as we studied the huge blackboard menu, which scaled the wall above the inglenook fireplace in the flagstoned bar. Pan-fried scallops with lime and chilli got my vote along with calves' liver. Matt chose potted shrimp and beef and ale pie. It was all delicious. Our indulgence even stretched to a gorgeous chocolate and hazelnut torte. It was a Monday night and we were expecting to have the restaurant pretty much to ourselves but the place was heaving.

My only criticism of the Howard is that we either had to arrive before the pub shut at 2.30pm or after it opened at 6pm. However, if you stay more than one night you are provided with a back-door key and can come and go as you please.

· Double rooms from £84 with breakfast, tester suite £94. Dinner £25. Midweek breaks from £106 or £112 (including £34 towards dinner) or £116 and £122 at weekends (01608 682226).