I have to admit to this new 'Doggie' life being somewhat of a surprise. Especially in terms of restaurants and hotels. Amazingly, lots of the places that I would expect not to be at all accommodating of our four-legged friends, actually are. Our time at Piddletrenthide (see below)included a breakfast sausage for Dizzy for example!!!

You might think that places like Marco Pierre White's Yew Tree Inn for example, might be completely off the list. But no. We turned-up early thinking we would have to take DD for a run and leave her in the car, but actually she was welcome in the bar and the owner (assuming partner) guy was very friendly in offering nearby walks for the after-lunch stroll. It was a glorious day.



Inside the Yew tree - which disappointingly is quite far out of the village of Highclere itself - not far from the castle - is a lovely cosy place. Maybe a bit too cosy in fact. Although the service and food were absolutely excellent, I felt a bit claustrophobic with all the tables close together (one of which had no cover at all over lunchtime so could have easily been moved away) and it made the service a bit unnecessarily clumsy. Otherwise, beautifully done. Very subtle with the mis-matched chairs and old bits of antique mirrors everywhere. Not too much clutter but enough with the amusing prints on the walls to make it interesting if you happen to be with guests that are (at times) perhaps difficult to communicate with;)

The menu has the option of a set one for lunch, which is very reasonable £15.50 for 2 courses. It's not often you have the opportunity to try Michelin-starred food at these prices! The Fish and Chips was particularly good and my smoked mackeral starter was delish! I could be tempted to buy his new book - but that hair of his really puts me off him!!