HOTEL of the week

WHERE AND WHY This characterful four-star Georgian and Tudor hotel is on the marketplace of Helmsley, one of North Yorkshire’s most attractive towns. The former coaching inn is a classic higgledy-piggledy place with low beams, wonky corridors and big fireplaces. There are cosy snugs to hide away with a coffee and the papers or a nightcap, plus award-winning The Tea Room serving up delicious afternoon spreads. The Cygnet Bar has local ales and an extensive range of gins. Most of the 45 rooms are in the extension but our standard

room was in the main building and overlooked the landscaped garden. Our room had a sofa, a comfy king-size bed, a kettle for tea and coffee, a docking station, free wi-fi, an iron and fluffy bathrobes. The only negative was the slightly jaded en suite bathroom.

ON THE MENU People travel from across the north for the food here. Enjoy lunch in the bar with British classics such as fish pie, sausage and mash or Whitby crab. The modern Gallery restaurant is where three AA Rosette food is the main event. An a la carte or market menu (two courses for €34/three for €45) includes 48-day aged fillet or ribeye steaks, beef Wellington, Whitby

sole and moules marinieres. Desserts include a sticky date and stout pudding with butterscotch sauce or Yorkshire rhubarb crumble with custard. Breakfast is a creative twist offering a continental buffet as well as a full English. WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Helmsley is a mix of tea rooms, pubs, gift shops, delis and hunting attire shops (the town’s popular with shooting parties). A stroll away you’ll find the tranquil Walled Gardens and the ruins of Helmsley Castle.

WAKE UP CALL Dinner, B&B starts at €215 a night. For an extra tenner some rooms are pooch-friendly, including treats. blackswan-helmsley.co.uk