Tucked away in quiet lanes a stone’s throw from Hever Castle is where you’ll find The Wheatsheaf at Bough Beech, a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered.

In its secluded rural spot, The Wheatsheaf is a welcoming retreat – which is probably why Henry VIII so loved visiting his hunting lodge here half a millennium ago. But roaring log fires, cosy nooks and crannies and beautiful decor are only part of the story at the Wheatsheaf, which is run jointly by Manager Colin Pilbeam and Head Chef David Fuller. The real draw for in-the-know diners is the exceptional menu, full of imaginative dishes inspired by seasonal local produce and the finest ingredients.

Hailing from the Sussex coast, it’s no wonder that David loves working with the best British food at The Wheatsheaf, but his flair for imaginative recipes was shaped by travel. Having lived and worked in countries including Malaysia, Australia, Jordan and France, David has developed a taste for the exotic that he skilfully weaves with British classics to create truly original food.

After working alongside top chefs including Garry Hollihead, Dean Bouvet and José Cau, David enjoys flexing his creative muscles at The Wheatsheaf and delights in surprising his diners. The recent tasting dinner was a case in point: a deceptively simple-looking six course menu that turned out to be full of playful elements. For David, the theatre of dining is half the satisfaction.

And with December and all its Christmas spirit on the horizon, David has devised a sumptuous Christmas Fayre menu featuring favourite festive dishes recreated with his personal touch. From classic roast turkey with all the trimmings to richly-flavoured pies filled with braised local venison, these recipes are all you’d want from a celebratory winter meal.

The Wheatsheaf at Bough Beech is open every day, serving an à la carte menu Monday to Saturday at lunch and dinner, as well as a lunchtime selection of ‘pub classics’, while Sundays see the traditional roast dinner take the spotlight. The Christmas Fayre menu is available for group bookings from 1st December to 24th December (excluding Sundays), priced at £22.95 per person for two courses, or £28.95 per person for three courses. All menus are available to view online at www.wheatsheafboughbeech.co.uk or call 01732 700100 for more information and to book.