Cracking food in a cosy village setting

CHRISTMAS seems to come earlier every year. Lights go up, adverts dominate the TV and the rush to shop intensifies as early as October. Sadly, there’s usually something missing from the premature festivities.

Christmas is about more than shopping – it’s about enjoying one another, and a fine place to do so is tucked away in a rural corner of Lincolnshire.

On a frosty November night, my friend and I braved the cold and the dark, winding roads to make our way to Ingham, where we found an idyllic winter retreat in the Inn on the Green.

The Inn on the Green is a traditional and homely pub and restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere – perfect for family get together or those quieter occasions.

As we sat down surrounded by different groups of friends and families, this seemed like the perfect place to escape to and catch up, and so we did.

For a starter, we shared the mini tapas. A friendly and attentive waitress swiftly presented us with a selection of salami, olives, anchovies and bread. It wasn’t too fancy, but it certainly hit the spot.

For a main, after being torn between the battered haddock, the pan roasted duck breast with honey and soya sauce and the Thai chicken curry, we both went for the char-grilled Aberdeen Angus rump steak with chips, mushrooms and tomatoes.