Guided by a classic
IN the internet age it can be hard to know what’s true. One trusted publication with nearly 50 years’ experience is The Good Hotel Guide, which has published its annual Césars – the hotel Oscars. Here is a selection.
Peak B&B Underleigh House Hope, Derbyshire
THE GHG – Good Hotal Guide – says: “Near the end of a quiet cul-de-sac within the Peak District National Park, this 19th-century farmhouse B&B overlooks the beautiful Hope Valley. Three of the four bedrooms are suites including one with French doors opening on to the garden. There is a cosy lounge with a log burner and breakfast showcases an array of fresh local produce.”
PLACE AND PRICE: This is brilliant walking country with the bleak ridge of Stanage Edge above and verdant river valleys below. Doubles from £110, see underleighhouse.co.uk.
Top Taff The Angel Hotel Abergavenny
THE GHG says: “The very model of a town hotel, in the heart of Abergavenny, this familyrun former Georgian coaching inn displays an inspiring collection of original artworks. There is dining in the Foxhunter Bar and Oak Room restaurant. Or head to Michelinstarred sister restaurant, The Walnut Tree. The famous afternoon tea offers delicious cakes and pastries from the hotel’s own bakery.”
PLACE AND PRICE: Abergavenny is a handsome town on the river Usk in the lee of the rugged Brecon Beacons mountains. It is not far from the border with England, marked by the Offa’s Dyke long distance path. Doubles from £105. See angelabergavenny.com.
Great Scot
The Airds Hotel
Port Appin, Argyll and Bute
THE GHG says: “Set beside Loch Linnhe, with views of the Morvern mountains, this 18th-century ferry inn has 11 individually appointed bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant which makes use of the best
West Coast and home-grown produce.
The hotel offers high tea for under-eights and guests can take cream tea by the fire in one of the lounges or alfresco in the gardens, complete with lochside views.” PLACE AND PRICE: Wild and windy days, great scenery and fabulous fresh seafood are all on the menu on this stretch of coast, with the mountain pass of Glencoe just behind. This is luxury at an accessible price. Dinner, bed and breakfast for two from £336. See airds-hotel.com.
Best newbie North House
Cowes, Isle of Wight
THE GHG says: “Just moments from the yachtie playground of the Solent, this immaculately run boutique hotel occupies a Grade II listed town house. Food is locally sourced, there is a pretty garden offering outdoor dining, plus 14 bedrooms with views of the sea or the garden courtyard, all overseen by hands-on owners and charming staff.”
PLACE AND PRICE: Cowes is very pretty and generally quiet, provided you avoid sailing weeks. At those times you can hardly move on the winding main street, which is lined with fashion boutiques and independent retailers. Doubles from £110, see northhousecowes.co.uk.
Inn place
The Pipe and Glass Inn South Dalton, Yorkshire
THE GHG says: “This former coaching inn has five contemporary bedrooms and views over nearby Dalton Park. There is a cosy beamed bar and a child-friendly Michelin-starred restaurant, popular for its vegetarian options. Tables are also available for dining in the garden, where everything they have planted – from roses to rosemary – is edible.”
PLACE AND PRICE: The East Riding of Yorkshire, much loved by David Hockney, has a burgeoning foodie reputation thanks to Malton, just to the north. If you fancy a trip to the coast from here, you will find a traditional seaside resort 24 miles away at Bridlington. Doubles from £200, see pipeandglass.co.uk.
Seaside special The Old Coastguard Mousehole, Cornwall
THE GHG loves how this informal dining pub is decorated: “Blazing fires, bare floorboards and mismatched furniture. Hit by a fire this summer, it will reopen in early 2020. Despite its temporary closure, the editors of the Guide awarded it a César because it is outstanding.”
PLACE AND PRICE: Mousehole is a former fishing village, now much loved by artists, just around the corner from Penzance. It even has its own beach, sheltered by the harbour, which makes it very popular with families. Doubles from £150, see oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk.
Country pad Old Downton Lodge Ludlow, Shropshire
THE GHG says: “Deep in the countryside, this restaurant-with-rooms has ten unique rustic bedrooms and a spectacular Tudor-style dining room. The wine list has won numerous awards, and menus are crafted from the finest quality ingredients.”
PLACE AND PRICE: Ludlow is idyllically placed on the banks of the river Teme, and has long had a reputation as a foodie nirvana. This is border country, with the Shropshire hills just to the north and villages of distinctive black and white timber-framed houses all around. Doubles from £153. See olddowntownlodge.com.
Love nest Southernhay House Exeter
THE GHG says: “A romantic Georgian town house on a pretty square a stroll away from Exeter Cathedral. The peaceful dining room offers a short menu of intelligent dishes served by charming waiting staff.”
PLACE AND PRICE: Exeter has a distinctive old fashioned charm, particularly around the Cathedral close, with the much photographed Mol’s coffee house which dates from the 16th century. Doubles from £105, see southernhayhouse.com.