AS we drove across the bridge that straddles the Thames between Streatley and Goring, I understood why this area is praised for its beauty.

Goring stands on the north bank of the River Thames in the Goring Gap that separates the Berkshire Downs and the Chilton Hills, and is is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Be assured, it really is beautiful. No wonder Goring won the 2009 Oxfordshire village of the year award and also the coveted South of England title.

I am sure that even Barnaby, my Border collie, was impressed with the scenery we passed while walking the Thames Path before lunch. He certainly enjoyed dancing through tangled tree roots that wove themselves into the river bank and splashing about in the little sandy bays he encountered along the way. After a glorious dog walk, we made our way to The Miller of Mansfield, a rather splendid red-brick Georgian coaching inn which stands proudly in the middle of this charming little village.

Unfortunately, parking is rather difficult. We did eventually discover a parking spot when we first arrived, but limitations on the permitted time of stay curtailed our walk somewhat. As the pub doesn’t have a car park, we had to find another spot before lunch.

The pub has an agreeable homely air. The bar is furnished with comfortable armchairs, the adjoining restaurant area being quite stylish with attractive arrangements of flowers on every table. The courtyard area has a relaxed informal air. The young staff proved particularly friendly and helpful, even taking the trouble to describe a popular dog walk when I telephoned to ask if my canine friend would be welcome. They didn’t even flinch when Barnaby knocked over the container of cutlery on our table, although I did!

Unfortunately, lunch, which we ate in the courtyard, was not the best. Uncle John was presented with a crab and prawn salad (£8.90) that arrived devoid of prawns, which to our surprise were finally presented separately when he had almost finished.

My smoked haddock and poached egg salad (£8.90) was okay, but I am not going to rave about it as the fish portion on which the egg sat was quite small and the dish lacked that certain something that makes the mouth water.

Barnaby, however, was very happy with his bowl of tea (£2.25). However, the staff were so professional and the village of Goring so attractive that I am sure we will visit this old coaching inn again.