The Harrow, Hadlow, Kent, UK

Designer: Martin Godden at Shepherd Neame, 2003

England's oldest brewer Shepherd Neame now owns and operates The Harrow and a refurbishment changed it from an unremarkable public house to one with a pared down sophistication. An intimate environment has been achieved by a canny lay-out of individual areas, not always rooms with physical margins, sometimes what Martin Godden calls 'defensible space' - using distinct furniture and décor to mark it - that customers can claim as their own. This idea of dividing a large space into separate zones is also followed in the garden by using different plantings to create boundaries.

And what a great pub garden! It was planted by Shepherd Neame's former farm manager who now runs a landscaping business and features a playground for children, petanque piste, lawn, mature trees and shrubs, wildflowers and most notable, a halo of heavenly lavender from nearby Downderry Nursery – home of the National Plant Collection of Lavender and Rosemary. Lavender is laid in rows of various varieties that flower at different times of the year so the glorious scent can be enjoyed most days. Benches, tables and seats are dotted about the garden, sometimes hidden by foliage making private little zones.

The garden is a central feature of The Harrow and with views through several windows, access from a number of doors, and the dining conservatory leading outside, it becomes an extension of the pub. And with outdoor heaters, even in cooler weather it can be appreciated.

Photographer: Stuart Thomas