THE Chequers Inn is more than just a pretty pub. Nestled in the idyllic Buckinghamshire countryside is a little gem of a hostelry, which is bursting with charm and hidden surprises.

The Chequers Inn, a 17th century coaching inn in Kiln Lane, Wooburn Common, deceptively looks like it’s just a pretty pub from the front.

But dig a little deeper, and you will also find a large hotel tucked at the back of the venue, plus a fine dining restaurant.

My friend and I spent a Saturday afternoon trying out all it had to offer and we started in the pub.

Owner Nick Roehrig gave a warm welcome and seemed to know everyone in the bar.

The pub was especially busy with all the comfy sofas taken and the fire roaring, which created a relaxing and buzzy atmosphere.

We were looking forward to having dinner in the posh restaurant later that evening, which had recently been awarded two AA Rosettes, however the pub food that kept arriving for its diners in the bar made us salivate.

A giant burger, chunky chips, and battered fish were being served on wooden platters to a famous model and her beau who were sat near us in the bar. We vowed there and then to try them some day.

Then off to view our room: The decor fitted in with the feel of the venue, with its wooden furniture and floral country-style wallpaper, complementing the beams and flagstones in the bar.

We were staying in a room with two comfortable single beds, and the rooms were big enough for our 15 changes of clothes that we had brought with us for one night (just in case).

The bathroom was plain white and simplistic, but did the trick. The only criticism we could find sounds picky, but the doors in the hotel rooms did not seem to mimic the quality wood feel of the rest of the venue, and weren’t quite so pretty. But that’s by the by. The restaurant had recently been refurbished and had a slightly more modern feel to it than the rest of the building, with clean white table cloths and stylish flowers.

Food at The Chequers: We were happy to see the A La Carte menu had our favourites and were excited by the choice.

I opted for roasted duck breast with cream of carrot, quail’s egg and cep popcorn, which was all cooked to perfection. The popcorn added an unusual twist. My fellow diner chose the beetroot salmon gravadlax with watercress coulis, lemon jam, watermelon and pickled onions, which she said she wanted more of and I had to stop her from licking the plate.

It was then on to my main of British lamb with grilled cutlet, hot pot, saddle, feves, peas and mint and roast shallots. The lamb was so tender, the knife just ran through it, and it was a welcome touch having an extra grilled cutlet on the side. The taste worked in harmony to create what was in effect, a posh Sunday roast.

My friend chose the delicious pan-roasted fillet of beef, braised oxtail, king oyster mushroom, spring greens and potato confit. She was blown away by how the meat was cooked and it literally - to use a cliche - melted in her mouth.

She also loved the braised oxtail which was quirkily presented in a small marrowbone. We also thought it was incredible how the dishes were presented. Each time they arrived they were like a work of art, and not how we expected them to look.

We finished with rhubarb crumble and custard (which the venue kindly allowed us to have from another menu). My friend said the custard was the highlight, with a touch of cinnamon and a creamy taste. I went wild with the taste of rhubarb - an indulgent trio of desserts including baked Alaska, trifle, and caramelised brûlée - which had the tastiest, crunchiest topping. The fact I scraped the bowls clean despite feeling like I was going to pop is testament to these puds.

Indeed we felt so full we skipped our original plan of retiring to the bar for a night cap, and instead waddled back to our room for a snooze. We were still feeling full the next morning, but we managed to roll back to the restaurant for a full English. It’d be rude not to.

We found The Chequers Inn had everything to offer, and would be a perfect escape to the country from the daily grind. Of course you may find us in there, chomping on the giant burgers...

For more information go to www.chequers-inn.com/