I have been to Turville before so I was very excited to return and dine at the famous Bull and Butcher. 

As we arrived into the village, set in a valley, we took in the familiar surroundings made famous on legendary British television and film such as The Vicar of Dibley, Midsomer Murders and the windmill from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Do not be fooled into thinking that James and his team are running a novelty set up – when you can be proud of being traditional and do it better than anywhere else, there simply is no need to change. 

There is much to notice as you walk into the bustling pub – a table centred around a well, fantastically eclectic music playing, intriguing beer choices such as Revolutionist craft lager (delightful) and most importantly – the pie wall.

Here you can choose from a full shortcrust pie, a suet pudding or a puff pastry top.

I must confess pies are not often on the menu in the Tunney household, they take a lot of effort and precision and I also cannot bring myself to serve a shop bought version – so my husband was extremely excited and swiftly opted for the full shortcrust Venison (£13.50). 

I chose the Steak and Ale with puff pastry top (£12), and our orders were crossed off from the board – when they’re gone they are gone.

What we did notice is the new pie on the block was created for vegetarians with a quorn filling, and was proving to be the most popular.

I imagine that, like us, it is such a treat to have a proper British pie and The Bull and Butcher are making sure everyone is catered for. 

Before our meaty main course, we decided to go for the baked camembert to share (£12). This is served with ciabatta mini toasts – a revelation.

They are so delicately flavoured and crisp that they make the perfect dipping instrument into the sumptuous, gooey camembert. The entire starter is lightened with a light and zingy cranberry jam. 

The main event was every bit as we had hoped. Sticky gravy with a depth of flavour and each vegetable cooked to perfection.

When you are just as excited about the mash potato and peas as you are the pies, you know there is mastery at work. Though the staff advocate the motto of ‘not fast food, but good food’, you really aren’t waiting long. 

But for what you get you will not be disappointed. The filling of the steak and ale pie took me back to my grandparents’ beef stew – robust and rich and difficult to recreate.

Our thorough enjoyment of such a hearty main course encouraged us to go for something lighter for dessert.

We went for the White Chocolate and Raspberry Mousse with oatmeal crunch (£6). A very wholesome end to the evening. 

This really is one of the last remaining examples of the quintessentia British pubs. Nothing showy, just a place for dogs, families, friends, music and great food.